Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about uranium, uranium hexafluoride (UF₆), UF₆ storage and depleted UF₆ management.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the properties of uranium and uranium hexafluoride, storage of uranium hexafluoride, and management of depleted uranium. Click a question below to see the answer.

Uranium and Its Properties

• What is uranium?
• Where does uranium come from?
• What are the common forms of uranium?
• What is radioactivity and radiation?
• Is uranium radioactive?
• What is depleted uranium?
• How is depleted uranium produced?

Uranium Hexafluoride and Its Properties

• What is uranium hexafluoride (UF₆)?
• Where does uranium hexafluoride come from?
• Why is uranium hexafluoride used?
• What are the properties of uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the hazards associated with uranium hexafluoride?

Uranium Hexafluoride Storage

• How is uranium hexafluoride stored?
• What does a depleted uranium hexafluoride cylinder look like?
• What are the dimensions of a depleted uranium hexafluoride cylinder?
• How much uranium hexafluoride is stored in the United States?
• Where is uranium hexafluoride stored in the United States?
• What does a cylinder storage yard look like?
• Is storage of uranium hexafluoride safe?
• How is uranium hexafluoride being managed now?
• What happens if a cylinder of uranium hexafluoride leaks?
• What is going to happen to the uranium hexafluoride stored in the United States?

Depleted Uranium Management

• How much depleted uranium (including depleted uranium hexafluoride) is stored in the United States?
• Who is responsible for managing depleted uranium?
• What are the options for managing depleted uranium in the future?
• Are there any uses for depleted uranium?
• Are there any currently-operating disposal facilities that can accept all of the depleted uranium oxide that would be generated from conversion of DOE's depleted UF₆ inventory?

Health Effects of Uranium and its Compounds

• What are the potential health effects from uranium exposure?
• What are the risks from accidents involving depleted uranium hexafluoride?
• Have there been accidents involving uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential health risks from continued storage of uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential health risks from conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride to other forms?
• What are the potential health risks from storage of depleted uranium as an oxide?
• What are the potential health risks from manufacture of depleted uranium shielded casks?
• What are the potential health risks from disposal of depleted uranium as an oxide?
• What are the potential health risks from transportation of uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential health risks from transportation of depleted uranium metal or oxide?

Other Environmental Impacts of Depleted Uranium Management

• What are the potential environmental impacts from continued storage of depleted uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride to other forms?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from storage of depleted uranium as an oxide?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from manufacture of depleted uranium shielded casks?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from disposal of depleted uranium as an oxide?