Radiation exposure from Nuclear Weapons Flashcards
1
Q
Name the radioactive material found in the core of a nuclear weapon
A
- Highly enriched U-235 (HEU)
- Weapons grade Plutonium (Pu-239) (WGPu)
2
Q
Name three physical hazards that affect stability of a nuclear weapon
A
- Heat
- Impact
- Non-Ionizing radiation (radio or microwaves)
3
Q
Most hazardous component of a nuclear weapon
A
High Explosive (HE)
4
Q
Three non-radioactive elements associated with nuclear weapons that are hazardous
A
Beryllium (Be) - causes ulcerations
Lithium- (Li) - Causes severe chemical burns.
Lead- (Pb) - extremely toxic when inhaled/ingested.
5
Q
Primary sources of radiation exposure from the stowage of nuclear weapons
A
- Intrinsic radiation, Gamms and Neutron