Chemical Compounds Containing Uranium and Thorium


Certain uranium and thorium containing compounds, e.g. uranyl acetate, uranyl nitrate, and thorium nitrate, contain lower level of radioactivity than most other radioactive materials. Consequently, they represent less of a radiation hazard to users which is why they are not sold as radioactive materials. However, they must be treated as radioactive waste during disposal. As an educational institution, UH is limited to no more than 3.3 pounds of uranium and thorium, which is why the purchase must receive pre-approval from EHS Radiation Safety.

  • Prior to ordering chemicals containing uranium and thorium, consult with the Radiation Safety Officer in EHS Department.
  • Procurement of uranium and thorium containing chemicals at the University of Houston must receive prior approval from EHS Department via Addendum B.
  • Recognize the hazards associated with these compounds.
  • When working with these chemical compounds, utilize safe practices to protect yourself and the workplace from contamination.
  • Waste from uranium and thorium compounds are hazardous; must be disposed through EHS as radioactive waste by submitting a waste pick up request.
  • Laboratories using these compounds should separate any waste generated from processes using these materials from other type of waste in the laboratory.
  • The EHS basic radiation safety training course offers useful information and is recommended prior to working with uranium and thorium compounds. Learn more about chemical compounds containing uranium and thorium at Radiation Safety page.

Contact EHS for more information about chemicals containing uranium and thorium.