Uranium in the Beginning of the Nuclear Age: Reflections on the Historical Role of Jáchymov and an Overview of Early and Present Epidemiological Studies

Abstract

Following its discovery, more than 200 years ago, uranium found useful applications in a number of various areas especially those related to industry, research and also medicine. The uranium history has been closely associated with the discovery of radioactivity which opened the door to the separation and later to the production of many useful radionuclides. The importance of uranium was recognized particularly owing to its ability to undergo fission process leading to the release of much more energy than it is possible to acquire from chemical reactions. Namely, the fission has been widely utilized in nuclear reactors to generate electricity in nuclear power plants. Such reactors are also used to produce a great number of radionuclides and for fundamental and applied research. Unfortunately, the fission has also been used for military purpose that resulted later in the construction of weapons of mass destruction. The extensive demand for uranium led to the expansion of uranium mining, milling and processing which led to some problems including exposure of workers and the radioactive contamination of the environment. The health effects associated with uranium and its compounds were fully recognized only during the last 70 years. This resulted in worldwide adoption of the relevant strict measures for adequate protection of people and the environment in line with the latest international safety requirements. The data concerning these health effects were acquired from numerous epidemiological studies based on which relevant safety procedures have been developed and implemented. The chapter presents a short overview of the uranium’s early history, which began in Jáchymov, together with uranium mining, uses and the assessment of its biological effects based on epidemiological studies.