Inhaling large concentrations of uranium can cause lung cancer from the exposure to alpha particles. Uranium is also a toxic chemical, meaning that ingestion of uranium can cause kidney damage from its chemical properties much sooner than its radioactive properties would cause cancers of the bone or liver.
Uranium's main target is the kidneys. Kidney damage has been seen in humans and animals after inhaling or ingesting uranium compounds. ... Inhaled insoluble uranium compounds can also damage the respiratory tract.
