Overview of Toxicity Data and Risk Assessment Methods for Evaluating the Chemical Effects of Depleted Uranium Compounds

Complexation of U(VI) with highly phosphorylated protein, phosvitinA vibrational spectroscopic approach

“…The toxicity of this heavy metal is of both chemical and radiological effects. Under environmental relevant conditions, its chemotoxicity is more significant because of its long half life [1]. Because uranium has been widely distributed in the environment due to human activities, ranging from uranium mining to storage of nuclear waste in inadequate depositories, it has become necessary to evaluate the impact of the radionuclide on human health issues.…”

“…Because uranium has been widely distributed in the environment due to human activities, ranging from uranium mining to storage of nuclear waste in inadequate depositories, it has become necessary to evaluate the impact of the radionuclide on human health issues. This comprises, for instance, the assessment of contamination of drinking water, and defining the adequate limit values as it is currently discussed worldwide [1,2]. To appropriately define such values, it is important to understand the transportation mechanisms of uranium in living organisms at a molecular level.…”

Depleted Uranium

“…DU is formed as a by-product of the enrichment of naturally occurring uranium for its most radioactive isotope 235 U. It is estimated that 700,000 tons of UF 6 are stored in the United States, and that each year the mass of accumulated DU increases by 30,000 tons (Hartmann et al, 2000;Bem and Bou-Rabee, 2004;Jiang and Aschner, 2006). For every 1 kg of uranium enriched to 3% 235 U during the enrichment process, approximately 5 kg of DU (as a fluoride, UF 6 ) is produced (Bem and Bou-Rabee, 2004;Jiang and Aschner, 2006).…”

“…Early animal studies did not reveal significant animal mortality from inhalation unless very soluble forms of uranium were used. These insoluble particles deposited in the lungs have a long residual time and may result in increased risk for cancer (Houpert et al, 1999;Hartmann et al, 2000). Researchers have found that the lungs and tracheobronchial lymph nodes are the major sites of uranium accumulation for large particles and relatively insoluble forms of uranium, and fibrotic changes in the lung tissue have been observed that are suggestive of radiation injury (Leach et al, 1970(Leach et al, , 1973.…”

Uranium in Drinking Water: Effects on Mouse Oocyte Quality

“…Uranium is transported by the mammal organism through the blood stream, forming bicarbonate complexes (Stradling et al 1985). Its toxicity is due to both its chemical and radiological effects; usually, chemical toxicity effects occur at lower levels than those necessary to induce radiological toxicity (Hartmann et al 2000).…”