Uranyl Nitrate

2.81 at 55.4 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

2.81 @25 °C

2.807 @25 °C

Yellow, rhombic crystals

Yellow crystals

Soluble in mineral acids, alkalis, oxalates; solubility: 8 g/1 L H2O at 14 °C /Uranyl nitrate hexahydrate/

Yellow crystals; slightly soluble in alcohol /Dihydrate/

Soluble in water and oxygenated solvents

118 °C @760 [mm Hg]

118 °C @760 [mm Hg]

140.4 °F (USCG, 1999)

60.2 °C

60.2 °C

Uranyl nitrate appears as a yellow rhombic radioactive crystal. Radioactive materials emit certain rays that can only be detected by instruments. Mildly chemically toxic. Unirradiated uranium is only mildly radioactive. Packages require no protective shielding. Noncombustible, but may accelerate the burning of combustible materials. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen when involved in fires. Used to produce ceramic glazes.

Yellow crystals that are luminescent when crushed; [Merck Index]

Yellow crystals; greenish luster by reflected light; when shaken, rubbed, or crushed, crystals show remarkable triboluminescence with occasional detonations; aq solution is acid /Uranyl nitrate hexahydrate/

When dissolved in water a weak solution of nitric acid is formed; water solutions are acidic and can corrode metals. /Hexahydrate/

Yellow orthorhombic cyrstals, hygroscopic; melting point: 60 °C; decomposes at 118 °C; density: 2.81 g/cu cm; solubility: 127 g/100 g water at 25 °C; soluble in ethanol, ether /Uranyl nitrate hexahydrate/

Strong oxidizer. /Hexahydrate/

Heat of formation: -3187.8 kJ/mole /Dihydrate/

Odorless /Hexahydrate/

Danger

H300+H330 (100%): Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, inhalation]

P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P284, P301+P316, P304+P340, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Uranyl nitrate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used as a component in a product covered by a group standard. It is not approved for use as a chemical in its own right.

Uranium, bis(nitrato-.kappa.O,.kappa.O')dioxo-, (OC-6-11)-: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Not flammable ... /Uranium nitrate hexahydrate/

Severe fire ... risk when shocked or heated. /Hexahydrate/

Excessive inhalation of dust may cause irritation of lungs and delayed symptoms similar to those observed after ingestion. Dust irritates eyes and skin and may be absorbed through skin on prolonged exposure. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach; inflammation of kidney and liver develops 1 to 4 days after exposure. (USCG, 1999)

Melting point = 60 degrees C; Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether; May explode if exposed to sunlight; [Merck Index] In experiments performed on human volunteers IV injections of 70-100 ug/kg produced proteinuria. Uranium was eliminated mainly through the urine with 70-85% excreted in the first 24 hours. Nitrate compounds can cause methemoglobinemia. Emits toxic nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition; [HSDB] Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen when involved in fires. [CAMEO] See Uranyl nitrate hexahydrate. See Uranium and linked occupational diseases.

DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Uranium (1999)

Wrenn M et al; The Potential Toxicity of Uranium in Water (1987)

Mixtures of metal/nonmetal nitrates with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures of the nitrate with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979. p. 108-109]. Diethyl ether and uranyl nitrate have been involved in several explosion and fire incidents [Nucl. Sci. Abs., 1976, 33], 19790 [J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1912, 34, 1686].

/GUIDE 162: RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (LOW TO MODERATE LEVEL RADIATION)/ Health: Radiation presents minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel and the public during transportation accidents. Packaging durability increases as potential hazard of radioactive content increases. Undamaged packages are safe. Contents of damaged packages may cause higher external radiation exposure, or both external and internal radiation exposure if contents are released. Low radiation hazard when material is inside container. If material is released from package or bulk container, hazard will vary from low to moderate. Level of hazard will depend on the type and amount of radioactivity, the kind of material it is in, and/or the surfaces it is on. Some material may be released from packages during accidents of moderate severity but risks to people are not great. Released radioactive materials or contaminated objects usually will be visible if packaging fails. Some exclusive use shipments of bulk and packaged materials will not have "RADIOACTIVE" labels. Placards, markings and shipping papers provide identification. Some packages may have a "RADIOACTIVE" label and a second hazard label. The second hazard is usually greater than the radiation hazard; so follow this GUIDE as well as the response GUIDE for the second hazard class label. Some radioactive materials cannot be detected by commonly available instruments. Runoff from control of cargo fire may cause low-level pollution. /Uranium nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, solid/

/GUIDE 162: RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (LOW TO MODERATE LEVEL RADIATION)/ Fire or Explosion: Some of these materials may burn, but most do not ignite readily. ... /Uranium nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, solid/

/GUIDE 162: RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (LOW TO MODERATE LEVEL RADIATION)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . Priorities for rescue, life-saving, first aid, fire control and other hazards are higher than the priority for measuring radiation levels. Radiation Authority must be notified of accident conditions. Radiation Authority is usually responsible for decisions about radiological consequences and closure of emergencies. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. Stay upwind. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Detain or isolate uninjured persons or equipment suspected to be contaminated; delay decontamination and cleanup until instructions are received from Radiation Authority. /Uranium nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, solid/

/GUIDE 162: RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (LOW TO MODERATE LEVEL RADIATION)/ Protective Clothing: Positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and structural firefighters' protective clothing will provide adequate protection. /Uranium nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, hexahydrate, solution; Uranyl nitrate, solid/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Disposal of ... wastes /containing uranium/ should follow guidelines set forth by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. /Uranium & cmpd/

Avoid skin contact and breathing dusts.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. /Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Intermediate Inhalation: 0.0004 mg/m3 (Soluble uranium salts) (L134) Chronic Inhalation: 0.0003 mg/m3 (Soluble uranium salts) (L134) Intermediate Oral: 0.002 mg/kg/day (Soluble uranium salts) (L134) Intermediate Inhalation: 0.008 mg/m3 (Insoluble uranium compounds) (L134)

0.2 [mg/m3], as U

0.6 [mg/m3], as U

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.2 mg/cu m; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 0.6 mg/cu m. /Uranium (natural), soluble & insoluble compounds, as U/

A1; Confirmed human carcinogen. /Uranium (natural), soluble & insoluble compounds, as U/

0.99 [mg/m3]

5.5 [mg/m3]

33 [mg/m3]

0.99 [mg/m3]

5.5 [mg/m3]

33 [mg/m3]

Dust mask, gloves, goggles (USCG, 1999)

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)/

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. /Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)/

Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. (Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.) /Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)/

Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. /Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)/

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Maximum Allowable Concn (MAC) USSR 0.015 mg/cu m (soluble cmpd), 0.075 mg/cu m (insoluble cmpd) /Uranium cmpd/

Australia: natural, soluble and insoluble compounds, 0.2 mg/cu m, as U; STEL 0.6 mg/cu m, as U (1990); Federal Republic of Germany: uranium compounds, 0.25 mg/cu m total dust, as U; short-term level 2.5 mg/cu m total dust, as U, 30 min, once per shift; due to natural radioactivity of uranium, the tolerance value of the "Strahlenschutzverordnung" from October 13, 1976, is to be observed (1989); United Kingdom: natural, soluble compounds, 0.2 mg/cu m, as U, 10-min STEL 0.6 mg/cu m, as U (1991). /Uranium (natural), soluble and insoluble compounds/

10 mg U/m3 ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024)

10.0 [mg/m3], as U

10 mg/cu m; NIOSH considers uranium (soluble compounds, as U) to be a potential occupational carcinogen. /Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)/

Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue 1% solution administered intravenously slowly over five minutes followed by IV flush with normal saline. Methylene blue restores the iron in hemoglobin to its normal (reduced) oxygen-carrying state. (L1613)

The effect of uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure on the brain uptake of DL-propranolol was investigated in rats with a series of tissue sampling single carotid injection techniques. When the buffer soln was used as an injection soln, the brain uptake index, the extn ratio, and the blood-brain barrier permeability surface area product and for the unbound fraction in uremic rats were significantly lower than those in control rats. These parameters for DL-propranolol were decr significantly in both control and uremic rats receiving injection of the uremic serum. These and other results suggest that (1) the decr in the corresponding permeability surface area product value for DL-propranolol in uremic rats may be attributed mainly to the presence of an endogenous inhibitory substance(s) for the brain uptake or to the decr in the exchangeable fraction in vivo in the uremic serum; (2) the decr in the corresponding permeability surface area product value for DL-propranolol may also be partly attributed to the change in the blood-brain barrier permeability and/or surface area; (3) the inhibitor for the brain uptake may be characterized as a temp sensitive and nonfiltrable substance(s) at physiological pH; and (4) the ability of protein-mediated transport for DL-propranolol into brain was decr in uremic rats.

Uranium primarily damages the kidney, but may also damage the lungs, central nervous system, and immune system. Uranium's radioactivity is believed to damage the DNA, resulting in carcinogenic effects and reproductive and developmental damage. Nitrate and nitrite poisoning causes methemoglobinemia. Nitrites may cause pregnancy complications and developmental effects. They may also be carcinogenic. (L1137, L248, L249)

Uranium is combined with either bicarbonate or a plasma protein in the blood but once in the kidney, it is released and forms complexes with phosphate ligands and proteins in the tubular wall, causing damage. Uranium may also inhibit both sodium transport-dependent and independent ATP utilization and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the renal proximal tubule. Uranium causes respiratory diseases by damaging alveolar epithelium type II cells in the lungs. Uranium induces c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation, which in turn induces tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion and generates and inflammatory response in the lungs. Studies have shown that the more soluble the uranium salt, the more toxic it is. Ionizing radiation produced by uranium damages the DNA, resulting in gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations. This can both both initiate and promote carcinogenesis, and interfere with reproduction and development. Nitrate's toxicity is a result of it's conversion to nitrite once in the body. Nitrite causes the autocatalytic oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to hydrogen peroxide and methemoglobin. This elevation of methemoglobin levels is a condition known as methemoglobinemia, and is characterized by tissue hypoxia, as methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen. (A2450, L1613, L249, A160)

Ingestion of uranium may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Nitrate and nitrite poisoning causes methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include cyanosis, cardiac dysrhythmias and circulatory failure, and progressive central nervous system (CNS) effects. CNS effects can range from mild dizziness and lethargy to coma and convulsions. (L1137, L248)

... Arrange for periodic medical examination of persons in contact with uranium and its disintegration products. Monitoring of the uranium content of biological media is required. Persons employed in industrial operations with uranium and exposed to the action of radon should have periodical chest x-ray examinations. The intervals between examinations should be planned with regard to the conditions of work. /Uranium, alloy and compounds/

A complete history and physical examination: The purpose is to detect existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at increased risk, and to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. Exam of respiratory system, blood, liver, lymphatic system, and kidneys should be stressed. Skin should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders. A complete blood count: Since uranium is deposited in the bone & is an alpha particle emitter, the function of the bone marrow is at risk. A complete blood count should be performed incl a red cell count, a white cell count, a differential count of a stained smear, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit. ... Surveillance of the lung is indicated. Urinalysis: Although not reported with insol uranium cmpd, kidney damage has been reported due to uranium exposure. A urinalysis should be performed, including at a minimum specific gravity, albumin, glucose, & microscopic of centrifuged sediment. Periodic medical exam: The aforementioned medical examination should be repeated on an annual basis. In addition, a determination of urinary uranium levels should be performed at any time overexposure is suspected or signs and symptoms of toxicity occur. /Uranium and insol compounds (as uranium)/

Practical recommendations for biologic monitoring of exposure: Chemical agent: uranium; reference value < 0.3 ug/g creatinine in urine; reference value < 0.01 ug/100 mL in blood. /Uranium compounds, as U, from table/

Because of its rapid and substantial urinary excretion, the concentration of uranium in urine can form the basis of assessing intake. Once measurements in urine have been made, biokinetic models may then be used to calculate intake. However, for inhalation, lack of informationon the temporal pattern of exposure and chemical form and variation in natural excretion (e.g. reported urine concentrations of 0.0128 ug/L as an average for "unexposed individuals" vs observed values of 0.004 to 0.058 ug/L) can result in appreciable errors in such estimates. ... TThe occupational exposure decision level used for uranium workers at one facility in the U.S. is 0.8 ug/L of uranium in urine. This value assumes an acute inhalation intake of moderately soluble uranium and a 60 day urine sampling frequency. For investigational puropses, a value of 4 ug/L of urine is used for U.K. workers. /Radioactive uranium/

For more Medical Surveillance (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A 25 yr old man who "enjoyed avg health" was subjected to a 2 mo treatment with increasing doses of uranyl nitrate solution. The calculated amt of uranyl nitrate received by the patient initially was 0.6 mg increasing to 4, 8, 10, 13, 14, 35, and 64 mg at weekly intervals. This works out to a total intake 148.6 mg in 56 days or a calculated avg dose of 0.038 mg uranyl nitrate per kg/day assuming 70 kg body wt. During the 8 wk treatment period, the pt experienced flatulence, and soft stools. His urine was acidic, and urinary vol, chloride, and phosphates were incr. No sugar was detected in several samples of his urine tested during treatment.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A human volunteer ingested 1 g uranyl nitrate hexahydrate in 200 ml of water (about 470 mg uranium or 6.71 mg uranium/kg for a 70 kg man) and experienced violent vomiting, diarrhea, and slight albuminuria. In the first seven days he excreted 2.5 mg uranium in his urine which represents an excretion of less than 1% of the ingested dose. Proteinuria was absent on the third day of posttreatment. /Uranyl nitrate hexahydrate/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The toxicity of uranium(6+) in man following iv administration has been determined in 5 terminal patients with brain tumors given uranyl nitrate in doses of ... 0.17 and 0.23 mg/kg. The 3 patients receiving the largest doses showed elevation of urinary catalase and albumin. Other evidences of renal toxicity were appearance of casts in urine and elevation of nonprotein nitrogen. There was suggestive evidence of the loss of renal capacity for sodium and chloride reabsorption and potassium secretion.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ In experiments with single iv injections of uranium nitrate to volunteers or terminally ill patient, between 70-100 ug/kg body weight produced proteinuria and increased catalase excretion.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ /KIDNEY/ Administration of uranyl nitrate to dogs decreased glomerular filtration rate and osmotic pressure, but increased urine electrolyte (sodium and potassium) concentration. Amorphous granular deposits were found in glomerular basement membrane with partial disassociation of membrane and endothelial cells.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ /KIDNEY/ After IV injection of 10 mg/kg in dogs, renal blood flow decreased about 23% at 6 hours after administration, then rose and surpassed controls by about 36% at 96 hours. Acute renal failure was characterized by pre-glomerular vasoconstriction and post-glomerular vasodilation.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Administration of 25 mg/kg uranyl nitrate (UN) to rats leads to a brief period of polyuria followed by progressive oliguria with death at 5 days. Factors that determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were examined in control Munich-Wistar rats (n equals 16) and 2 h after either 15 mg/kg (n equals 8) or 25 mg/kg (n equals 7) of UN (i.v.) utilizing direct measurements of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures and plasma flow. Total kidney GFR was reduced to 47% of control in the low dose group and to 21% in the high dose group. The simultaneous nephron filtration rate (sngfr) was 28.6 plus or minus 0.8 nl/min/g kidney wt in control, 29.1 plus or minus 1.0 in the low dose group, and 18.1 plus or minus 1.2 (P less than 0.001) in the higher dose group. This disparity in UN effect upon GFR and sngfr was due to tubular back-diffusion of solute through damaged epithelia beyond the early proximal tubule as demonstrated by microinjection of inulin and mannitol in the proximal tubule. Inulin "leak" persisted at 6 h after UN when tubular pressure had returned to normal. Comparison of sngfr measured in early vs. late proximal tubule revealed no difference after high dose UN, suggesting no significant leak of inulin from the early proximal tubule, and that the decreased sngfr was due to primary reductions in ultrafiltration. Nephron plasma flow was equal to control at both doses of UN. Also directly measured hydrostatic pressure gradient across the glomerular capillary was not changed. The effective filtration pressure achieved equilibrium in control of animals but became significantly positive at the efferent end of the capillary at both doses of UN and increased. Total glomerular permeability (LpA) was progressively reduced from control (0.089 plus or minus 0.005 nl/s/g kidney wt/mm Hg) at low dose UN (0.047 plus or minus 0.013) and high dose 0.024 plus or minus 0.003 nl/s/g kidney wt/mm Hg). Therefore UN decreases GFR by two mechanisms: (1) tubular damage leading to back-diffusion of solutes and (b) a primary reduction in sngfr due to reduced LpA.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ /KIDNEY and LIVER/ Following uranyl nitrate intoxication in rats, renal glucuronyl transferase activity declined steadily during first 96 hours after intoxication. Hepatic glucuronyl transferase activity, however, increased 24 hours after intoxication, decreased at 48 hours, then increased again at 96 hours.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (56 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Populations susceptible to uranium toxicosis would include people with impaired renal function. People with stomach ulcers are thought to have elevated absorption of some toxic metals and might be unusually susceptible to uranium toxicity.

Humans who excrete acidic urine may be more sensitive to uranium-induced kidney injury.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Uranyl nitrate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

(AZ) ARIZONA 30 ug/L /Uranium/

(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 20 ug/L /Uranium/

(ME) MAINE 20 ug/L /Uranium/

In studies in dogs ... uranium as uranyl nitrate ... produced a 74% inhibition of renal calcium ATPase and an 84% inhibition of renal magnesium ATPase at concn of 3X10-5 M, respectively. ... /It was postulated that/ uranium dioxide may compete with ATP for binding sites on the calcium and magnesium ATPase and that this may be a factor in its renal toxicity.

Approximately 60% of uranium absorbed into the blood is transported in the form of a bicarbonate complex, and 40% is bound to plasma proteins. The uranyl-bicarbonate complex is filtered out of the blood by the renal glomerulus and is passed into the tubules. The pH of urine decreases in the tubules, resulting in dissociation of the complex and release of the reactive uranyl ion. Nephrotoxicity results primarily from damage to the tubular epithelium, which allows leakage of glucose, protein, aminoacids, and enzymes into the urine. In high doses (more than 6 mg uranium/kg), glomerular damage may also occur, causing decreased renal blood flow and a decreased glomerular filtration rate. The kidney responds to toxic levels of uranium within 24-48 hr after exposure. The changes become progressively more severe over approximately a 5 day period. The damaged tubular epithelium regenerates quickly as the uranium concentration is reduced. /Soluble uranium compounds/

Compared to other heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, and mercury ... uranium's nephrotoxic effect is less intense. Although the nephrotoxicity of uranium is attributed primarily to its metallotoxicity (chemical toxicity), some authors have discussed that renal damage from exposure to high-LET alpha-emitting heavy metals, like uranium, is derived from combined chemical and radiotoxic effect. /Uranium NOS/

The biologic half times of soluble uranium compounds (e.g., uranium hexafluoride, uranyl fluoride, uranium tetrachloride, uranyl nitrate hexahydrate) are estimated in days or weeks. Those of the less soluble compounds (e.g., uranium tetrafluoride, uranium dioxide, triuranium octaoxide) are estimated in years. /Soluble uranium compounds/

Uranium is absorbed in low amounts via oral, inhalation, and dermal routes. Uranium in body fluids generally exists as the uranyl ion (UO2)2+ complexed with anions, such as citrate and bicarbonate, or plasma proteins. Uranium preferentially distributes to bone, liver, and kidney. The large majority of uranium that enters the body is not absorbed and is eliminated from the body via the urine and faeces. Intake of some amount of nitrates and nitrites is a normal part of the nitrogen cycle in humans. In vivo conversion of nitrates to nitrites can occur in the gastrointestional tract under the right conditions, significantly enhancing nitrates' toxic potency. The major metabolic pathway for nitrate is conversion to nitrite, and then to ammonia. Nitrites, nitrates, and their metabolites are excreted in the urine. (L1137, L248)

Poorly absorbed by mouth.

... /Uranyl nitrate is/ reported to be capable of penetrating intact skin. ...

Classification of uranium compounds according to transportability in the body: uranyl nitrate is highly transportable. /From table/

Distribution of uranium injected as uranyl nitrate in 5 terminal brain cancer patients: (% of dose) Bone: 10.0% in 2.5 days, 4.9% in 18 days, 1.4% in 74 days, 0.6% in 139 days, and 1.3% in 566 days. In kidney: 16.6% in 2.5 days, 7.2% in 18 days, 0.7% in 74 days, 1.2% in 139 days, and 0.4% in 566 days. Muscle: 1.2% in 2.5 days, 2.1% in 18 days, 0.9% in 74 days, 0.3% in 139 days, and 0.06% in 566 days. In liver: 1.8% in 2.5 days, 1.1% in 18 days, 0.2% in 74 days, 0.2% in 139 days, and 0.05% in 566 days. Blood vol: 1.0% in 2.5 days, 0.2% in 18 days, 0.005% in 74 days, 0.002% in 139 days, and 0.004% in 566 days. Urine (accumulated %): 61% in 2.5 days, 63% in 18 days, 92% in 74 days, 84% in 139 days, and 98% in 566 days. Fecal excretion negligible. /From table/

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for URANYL NITRATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Used in photography as an intensifier; Also used as a ceramic glaze and a chemical reagent; [Merck Index] Used as a source of uranium dioxide; [Hawley]

Photographic Processing [Category: Other]

Ceramics making [Category: Hobbies]

Intensifier in photography; manufacturing uranium glaze, decorating porcelain; also as reagent in analytical chemistry.

Source of uranium dioxide; extraction of uranium into non-aqueous solvents. /Hexahydrate/

Recovery of uranium from process waste and in the reprocessing of irradiated fuels.

Action of nitric acid on uranium octoxide (U3O8). /Hexahydrate/

Nuclear fuel, spent (extraction/separation)

Yellow cake + nitric acid (dissolution)

The first step in the process is mining; historically, this has involved subterranean or open-pit ore rock removal and now also invovles liquid in-situ leaching of unconsolidated deposits. ... The next steps in the production of uranium fuel, aimed at concentrating the uranium, are usually carried out near the mine to save on transportation costs. ... The product of these concentration steps contains perhaps 40-70% yranium by weight and is generally shipped to a central processing plant to be further refined. This purification is either by digestion with nitric acid and extraction of the resulting uranyl nitrate into an organic solvent, or by conversion to UF6 and fractional distillation of that volatile compound. At this stage, all naturally occurring radioactive progeny have been removed from the uranium which is considered to be chemically pure... . While some nuclear reactor types ... use natural uranium as fuel, others require enriched uranium. If such uranium-235 enrichment is required, the purified uranium in an appropriate chemical form is transferred to an isotope separation plant. Isotope separation of uranium-238, uranium-235, and uranium-234 may be achieved by a number of processes including gaseous diffusion, centrifugal or laser enrichment. The enriched uranium is then processed an fabricated into appropriate forms for use in nuclear reactors. The by-product of this enrichment process is depleted uranium, often in the form of UF6.

Grades of Purity: analytical reagent /Hexahydrate/

/Available in/ high purity grades.

Available as the hexahydrate

Derivatives: uranium hexafluoride

Uranium is a chemical hazard as well as a radiological hazard.