
Contents
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Introduction Introduction
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A Historical Introduction to Radioactive Materials A Historical Introduction to Radioactive Materials
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Nuclear Materials and Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Materials and Nuclear Weapons
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Nuclear Material Stockpiles and Uses Nuclear Material Stockpiles and Uses
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Production and Use of Radioactive Materials Production and Use of Radioactive Materials
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Effects of Radioactive Materials and Nuclear Weapons Effects of Radioactive Materials and Nuclear Weapons
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Conclusion Conclusion
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Notes Notes
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Suggested Reading Suggested Reading
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2 Overview of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials
Get accessFriederike Frieß is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Safety/Security and Risk Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna.
Moritz Kütt is a Senior Researcher in the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg.
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Published:20 June 2023
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Abstract
A discussion of nuclear security is deeply intertwined with the fundamental physics of radioactive materials. These dictate the attractiveness of materials to potential adversaries and consequently, where protection efforts should be focused. The chapter provides the technical basis of nuclear security, written at a level accessible to a broad non-technical audience. It discusses the nuclear and radiative properties of key materials, in particular uranium and plutonium, as well as key radioisotopes that emit radiation that can be harmful to human health. It also introduces the history of nuclear weapons and the characteristics of the two most important isotopes for nuclear weapons use, uranium-235 and plutonium-239. And it outlines the production of these materials and their use in civil and military applications, as well as their current estimated stockpiles. In order to understand the potential harm nuclear and radioactive materials, the chapter explains their physical and biological effects.
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