Chemical Reactivity cont'd - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Module 101 Properties of Uranium

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

Uranium hexafluoride (UF6) reacts in moist air to

produce hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas, which is

corrosive and can damage the lungs if breathed.

Inhalation of HF has resulted in fatalities following

UF6 releases.

The chemical form of uranium is dependent on its

intended use and its stage of production. For

example, UF6 is used during the enrichment process,

and UO2 is used as nuclear fuel. When handling

uranium compounds, the possibility of chemical

reactions must not be overlooked.