Radiation exposure from Nuclear Weapons

Question 1

Name the radioactive material found in the core of a nuclear weapon

Answer 1

1. Highly enriched U-235 (HEU)
2. Weapons grade Plutonium (Pu-239) (WGPu)

Question 2

Name three physical hazards that affect stability of a nuclear weapon

Answer 2

1. Heat
2. Impact
3. Non-Ionizing radiation (radio or microwaves)

Question 3

Most hazardous component of a nuclear weapon

Answer 3

High Explosive (HE)

Question 4

Three non-radioactive elements associated with nuclear weapons that are hazardous

Answer 4

Beryllium (Be) - causes ulcerations

Lithium- (Li) - Causes severe chemical burns.

Lead- (Pb) - extremely toxic when inhaled/ingested.

Question 5

Primary sources of radiation exposure from the stowage of nuclear weapons

Answer 5

1. Intrinsic radiation, Gamms and Neutron