Israel’s targeting of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, particularly its underground uranium enrichment plants, raises significant concerns. The Natanz facility has suffered substantial damage, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The deeply buried Fordo facility presents a different challenge, requiring more powerful weaponry for a successful strike, a capability largely limited to the US.
The risks of attacking Fordo are substantial. The IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, highlighted the danger of military escalation increasing the risk of a radiological release with severe environmental and human consequences.
Uranium enrichment increases the proportion of uranium-235, crucial for nuclear reactors and weapons. Natural uranium is primarily uranium-238, with only a small percentage of uranium-235. Enrichment involves separating these isotopes using centrifuges.
Nuclear power plants require 3-5% enriched uranium, while weapons require around 90%. Iran’s uranium enrichment has reached approximately 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels.
However, the consequences of a strike on enriched uranium stockpiles differ from those of nuclear power plant accidents like Chernobyl or Fukushima. While highly enriched uranium is more radioactive, the overall radioactivity is relatively low, minimizing widespread environmental contamination.
Professor Jim Smith from the University of Portsmouth emphasizes that the primary concern isn’t the uranium itself, but the fission products created during nuclear reactions, absent in enrichment sites. A bomb blast would disperse uranium locally, potentially causing localized contamination and health risks from inhalation or ingestion.
Furthermore, the release of uranium hexafluoride from damaged centrifuges would constitute a severe chemical incident due to its corrosive nature upon contact with moisture. Experts, such as Professor Simon Middleburgh from Bangor University, confirm that the environmental impact would remain localized.
The IAEA continues to monitor radiation levels and the status of Iranian nuclear facilities, emphasizing the ongoing risks and the need for de-escalation.
Thousands of fragments of plaster are pieced together to reveal frescos from a Roman London villa.
Climate change will benefit basking sharks in the UK but creatures like the longest living animal may struggle.
Never before seen pictures will help scientists learn how the Sun’s activity changes from stormy to quiet periods
A multi-billion pound project to build a nuclear power station could get the go-ahead on Wednesday.
The space agency has published its budget request to Congress which would see funding for science projects cut by nearly a half.