Radon from uranium mill tailings: a source of significant radiation hazard

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Environ. Manage.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6164437

Ramsay, W

Calculations regarding the long-term hazards to health from the radioactive gas radon which emanates from the tailings of milled uranium ores are presented here. The absolute and relative risks to the population from mill tailings, as well as technical solutions to the problem of disposal methods which would eliminate or minimize lung cancer risk, are discussed. Since the emission of radon from tailings will occur thousands of years after the projected benefits from nuclear-fission power have been obtained, the problem of present and future hazard from mill tailings calls for increased regulatory consideration.

• Research Organization: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6164437
• Journal Information: Environ. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN EMNGD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

053000 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Environmental Aspects
054000 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Health & Safety
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
MAMMALS
MAN
MILL TAILINGS
NONMETALS
ORES
POPULATIONS
PRIMATES
RADON
RARE GASES
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOLID WASTES
URANIUM ORES
VERTEBRATES
WASTES