²³⁹Pu is produced in breeder reactors by successive reactions in which ²³⁸U is bombarded by neutrons and the product decays by two successive beta emissions.

(a) Write the equations for the three nuclear reactions.

(b) Inhalation of ²³⁹Pu, which decays by alpha emission, can cause lung cancer. Explain why inhalation of ²³⁹Pu may be more dangerous than getting an equal quantity of the isotope on the skin.