The reactors at Hanford made plutonium by bombarding the special fuels rods containing uranium with neutrons. Once the maximum amount of plutonium was produced, workers removed the fuel rods from the reactor. The spent fuels rods were extremely radioactive so in order to retrieve the plutonium, workers had to use remote-controlled devices. This processing left behind over 100 million gallons of exceeding hazardous mixed wastes of acids and radioactive fission products.

Internal exposure to plutonium is an extremely serious health hazard. It generally stays in the body for decades, exposing organs and tissues to radiation, and increasing the risk of cancer. Plutonium is also a toxic metal. And may cause damage to the kidneys.