* Uranium hexafluoride, a derivative of mined uranium, is not, as Harries implies, used to fuel light-water reactors. It must first be “enriched” — a process in which the concentration of its fissile U-235 isotopes is increased — and then converted into enriched uranium dioxide.
* Neutron radiation is not produced in the manufacture of uranium hexafluoride. It is a natural consequence of the radioactive decay of U-235 , and occurs whether the uranium exists as a block of metal, an oxide powder, or liquid/gaseous uranium hexafluoride.
* “Depleted uranium,” or U-238 (the more abundant, non-fissile isotope of uranium) cannot be used in nuclear weapons. While it is notorious for use as tank ammunition in such places as Iraq, its hazard on the battlefield doesn’t have to do with residual radioactivity, but rather toxicity.
* Finally (and this is a slightly different kind of red flag), nobody in their right mind, which I have to assume includes the people at Cameco, would ever allow enough enriched uranium to build up in one place to cause a critical reaction if exposed to flood water, as feared by the Families Against Radiation Exposure.
Jack Martin Miller
Department of Chemistry
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON
* * *
An Iraqi in Ferndale
Hadani Ditmars’ “A Culture in Exile” (March) described the current situation in Iraq so accurately it was almost painful to read.
Since the US- and British-led coalition invaded Iraq, Iraqi-Americans have stood by and watched as the land of their sweet childhood memories was torn apart. But what could any of us do? Voting didn’t help. Neither did protesting. The only option for me and other Iraqi-born artists and intellectuals was to form the Iraqi Artists Association.
Comments