Nuclear Labs & Production Sites

At a glance

Nuclear labs and production sites are dedicated to the research, development, assembly, production, and study of nuclear weapons. A nuclear lab, also sometimes called a nuclear research facility, is where scientists and researchers conduct experiments and studies related to nuclear physics and other nuclear sciences. Nuclear labs usually contain advanced equipment, such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactors.

Production sites work with nuclear labs and the US government to build nuclear weapons and aid in experiments. This includes uranium enrichment and plutonium and beryllium production. Nuclear weapons use highly enriched uranium—highly concentrated uranium-235—and/or plutonium in order to start the fission and/or fusion process and create a high-yield explosion. Since enriched uranium and plutonium are extremely radioactive, the highest safety standards must be taken to ensure the safety of workers.

Why you should care

Nuclear labs and production sites can pose various risks to surrounding communities, workers, and the environment. Depending on the specific activities performed, these can include radiation and other toxic exposure, accidents like meltdowns and leaks, environmental contamination, long- and short-term nuclear waste storage issues, and security threats. Labs and production sites have reported dozens of sloppy safety practices that could have caused catastrophic or even fatal accidents. As the United States accelerates the creation of new nuclear weapons and new nuclear components, worker and community safety may be further put at risk.