Uranium

Environmental behavior

Persistence and movement

Uranium does not disappear; radioactive isotopes decay over long periods while the metal can move through soil and groundwater depending on chemistry.

Pathways

How exposure may occur

• Inhaling contaminated dust
• Ingesting contaminated water, food, or soil
• External radiation is generally a secondary concern for many natural and depleted-uranium settings

People

Potential long-term human effects

• The kidney is a principal target of uranium's chemical toxicity.
• Radiological risk depends on isotope, activity, route, dose, and how long material remains in the body.

Other living systems

Potential ecological effects

• Uranium can affect growth, reproduction, kidneys, and survival in aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
• Chemical toxicity and radiation both require consideration, with importance varying by species and exposure.

Limits

Important uncertainty

Mass concentration and radiological activity are different measurements and should never be treated as interchangeable.