Uranium Mining Research Paper

Uranium mining and its effects on the environment is a major concern today. Although uranium can be helpful, there are risks that have a negative impact on the health of humans, animals; as well as effects on air, soil and water.
Uranium is a hard, dense, malleable, silver-white, radioactive metal which can be used as an abundant source of concentrated energy. Uranium is a naturally occurring element found in low levels within rock, soil, air and water. It is the highest numbered element to be found naturally in significant quantities on earth and is always found combined with other elements. Uranium can also be found in plants because plants absorb the uranium that is found in soil. There are many sources and uses of uranium. During mining of uranium ore and its
One study showed that epidemiological evidence is consistent with an increased risk of birth defects in their offspring exposed to depleted uranium. Environmental groups and others have expressed concern about the health effects of depleted uranium, and there is some debate over the matter. Studies have also found that people exposed to depleted uranium inhalation for long periods of time, such as Gulf War veterans, had and increase in the rate of birth defects of their children.
It has also been reported that uranium has caused reproductive defects and other health problems in animals. Uranium has been shown to have toxic effects on the cells and genes of animal, which may lead to a reduction in the number of offspring in uranium exposed animals. It may also cause birth defects, such as skeletal malformations or a reduction in body fetal body weight. When being exposed to uranium for long periods of time, animals develop mutations within cells which can also lead to