Uranium

Nuclear Uranium

In Spite of its Controversy Uranium can be Very Beneficial for Humans.

Discuss the Advantages by using Uranium in light of some of its Dangers.

"Nuclear Uranium": In Spite of its Controversy Uranium can be Very Beneficial for Humans.

1-Introduction to Uranium:

1.1 History of Uranium:

"The name derives from the planet Uranus, which in Roman mythology was "Father Heaven". Uranium was found to be first used in yellow-colored glass, which contained more than 1% uranium oxide, dating back to 79 A.D. found near Naples, Italy. The metal was first isolated in 1841 by the French chemist Eugene-Melchior Peligot, who reduced the anhydrous chloride with potassium. The German chemist Martin ¬Heinrich Klaproth discovered the element in 1789 when he recognized an unknown element in the mineral pitchblende, following the German/English astronomer William Hershel's discovery of the planet in 1781." (HARLOD C. HODAG, P 5, 1973.)

1.2- What is Uranium?

For the purpose of this essay, uranium can be defined as "a radioactive element that occurs naturally in low concentrations (a few parts per million) in soil, rock, and surface and groundwater. It is the heaviest naturally occurring element, with an atomic number of 92. Uranium in its pure form is a silver-colored heavy metal that is nearly twice as dense as lead and is pyrophoric when finely divided." (World Nuclear Association, 2013)

1.3- The Scope of Uranium:

This essay discusses whether uranium is a very essential element. In addition it has many controversial opinion because of its benefits and some of very serious side effects. Also, discuss whether people are better without uranium.

2- Counter argument: Side Effects of Uranium

2.1 Uranium affects all types of living things in the environment.

"A person can be exposed to uranium by inhaling dust in air, or ingesting water and food. The general population is exposed to uranium primarily through food and water. The average daily intake of uranium from food ranges from 0.07 to 1.1 micrograms per day. The amount of uranium in air is usually very small. People who live near federal government facilities that made or tested nuclear weapons, or facilities that mine or process uranium ore or enrich uranium for reactor fuel, may have increased exposure to uranium". (Environmental Protection Agency, 2012)

Firstly, many people would argue that people are exposed to uranium