Sources from Nuclear Weapons

Question 1

Name the radioactive material found at the core of a nuclear weapon.

Answer 1

Highly enriched U-235.

Weapons Grade Plutonium (Pu-239)

Question 2

Name the three physical hazards that affect stability of a nuclear weapon.

Answer 2

Heat (fire)
Impact
Non-ionizing Radiation.

Question 3

Name the most hazardous component of a nuclear weapon.

Answer 3

the “HE” or High Explosive, which is highly sensitive material.
- Emits toxic gas when burned, gives off toxic fumes. It also contains toxic agents to the nervous system, liver, kidneys.

Question 4

State the 3 non-radioactive elements associated with nuclear weapons that are hazardous.

Answer 4

Be - skin ulcers, Type IV hypersensitivity to lung/skin
Li - severe chemical burns.
Pb - Extremely toxic to inhale.

Question 5

Name the primary sources of radiation exposure from the stowage of nuclear weapons.

Answer 5

1. Radiological hazard when stored and when compromised.
2. When uncompromised, intrinsic radiation from the weapon including gammas and neutrons from fission/decay.
3. Nuclear warheads can be compromised by impacts, fire, or non-ionizing radiation; the Fissile material in the weapon is the source of radiation exposure.

Question 6

What is the primary source of radiation caused by Tritium?

Answer 6

H-3: emits low-energy beta, can be absorbed through skin. Biological Half Life = 12 days.

Question 7

What is the primary source of radiation caused by Throium?

Answer 7

Th-232: non-fissile with heavy alpha emission, Heavy metal poising and internal (lung/bone) hazard.