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The hidden hand

The toothpaste chemical that makes nuclear weapons

Fluorine compounds used in oral care and uranium enrichment share the same supply chain, giving one nation unprecedented leverage over both civilian and military nuclear programs.

The number

65% fluorspar market share

Uranium hexafluoride—the compound that enriches uranium for reactors and weapons—is synthesized from hydrofluoric acid and fluorine gas, both derived from fluorspar. The same mineral that produces sodium fluoride for toothpaste feeds the entire nuclear fuel cycle, meaning control of fluorspar production is control of a chokepoint for both dentistry and weaponization.

Source: Conversion and Deconversion · World Nuclear Association · Dec 31, 2022

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More on Supply input · Fluoride Actives (NaF / SMFP) for Toothpaste

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