Title: Radionuclide Basics: Plutonium | Radiation Protection | US EPA
Headings: Radionuclide Basics: Plutonium
Radionuclide Basics: Plutonium
Plutonium in the Environment
Plutonium Sources
Plutonium and Health

Content: Most plutonium in the environment is in the form of microscopic particles that are the remnants of nuclear weapons testing and nuclear reactor accidents. The microscopic particles from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing are dispersed widely in the environment. As a result, virtually everyone comes into contact with extremely small amounts of plutonium. Top of Page
Plutonium Sources
Plutonium-238 generates significant heat through its radioactive decay radioactive decay The process in which an unstable (radioactive) nucleus emits radiation and changes to a more stable isotope or element. process, which makes it useful as a heat source for sensitive electrical components, or as a power source in satellites. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) utilize radioisotopes (such as plutonium-238) to generate power for satellites. Plutonium-239 is used to make nuclear weapons. Plutonium-239 and Pu-240 are byproducts of nuclear reactor operations and nuclear bomb explosions. Top of Page
Plutonium and Health
Most forms of plutonium emit alpha particles, which are not very harmful outside the body, but can be very damaging when inhaled. When plutonium particles are inhaled, they lodge in the lung tissue.