Uranium: an overview of physicochemical properties, exposure assessment methodologies, and health effects of environmental and occupational exposure

Uranium is chemo- and radiotoxic element which can cause multifactorial health hazards. Natural and anthropogenic uranium contamination raises concerns about potential public health problems. Natural contamination plays a significant role with regard to uranium exposure in the general population, whereas anthropogenic contamination leads to occupational uranium exposure, particularly in nuclear industry workers. In this review, we present a state-of-the-art status concerning uranium-induced health risks with a focus on epidemiological findings of uranium processing and enrichment plant workers. We provide a general overview of physicochemical properties of uranium and analytical methods for measuring or monitoring uranium, describe environmental and occupational exposure scenarios, and discuss the challenges for objectively investigating risks from uranium exposure.