ABSTRACT
Urinalysis data for 17 individuals with known exposure to Pu were supplied to six laboratories, each of which made an estimate of systemic deposition. In general, the evaluation was done with the Langham model or one of its derivatives, and the values obtained by the laboratories for any single case were typically within a factor of two of the mean for all laboratories. The estimates made from urinalysis data typically were several-fold greater than those made from autopsy data. The results indicate that estimates based on urinary excretion overestimate systemic deposition and tend to confirm previous observations that the Langham equation underestimates urinary excretion.
Subject(s)
Plutonium/pharmacokinetics , Autopsy , Body Burden , Humans , Plutonium/analysis , Plutonium/urine , Tissue DistributionABSTRACT
The estimated systemic burden of 0.3 muCi 241Am, made by the resident health physicist, has been compared to postmortem measurements using in-vivo counting equipment and radiochemical analysis of the donor's body. The health physicist's estimate was based on in-vivo measurements and urine excretion data obtained while the donor was still working, and it was logically assumed that the intake occurred about 1954 as a result of inhalation of Am-contaminated air. Based on additional data obtained by postmortem analysis, it seems more reasonable to assume for the purpose of scientific study and evaluation that the intake occurred in 1953, primarily as the result of a contaminated wound. Evaluations of the systemic burden using that assumption and three models indicate that the amount initially deposited could have been in the range of 0.2-1.1 muCi 241Am.
Subject(s)
Americium/metabolism , Accidents, Occupational , Adult , Americium/adverse effects , Americium/urine , Body Burden , Finger Injuries , Humans , Male , Tissue Distribution , Whole-Body CountingSubject(s)
Lead/analysis , Metallurgy , Mining , Radioisotopes/analysis , Uranium , Bone and Bones/analysis , Environmental Exposure , HumansABSTRACT
A Hanford worker received an intake of 241Am by skin absorption and inhalation which was later evaluated to be in excess of 1 mCi. The skin was the main pathway for introduction of 241Am into the body; however inhalation was also a significant pathway. Intensive DTPA therapy prevented 99% of 241Am which entered the blood stream from being deposited in the internal organs. Retention and distribution of 241Am in various internal organs and tissues was determined from sequential measurements in vivo using several arrangements of externally located scintillation detectors. The organ and tissue retention and distribution have been followed for longer than 5 yr. Excretion patterns and estimates of radiation dose to the lung, liver, bone and skin are described.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational , Americium/adverse effects , Nuclear Reactors , Americium/analysis , Americium/metabolism , Body Burden , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pentetic Acid/administration & dosage , Radiation Dosage , Radiation Injuries/drug therapy , Radiation Injuries/metabolism , Time Factors , Tissue Distribution , WashingtonABSTRACT
To obtain an estimate of the systemic burden of plutonium in a worker, the health physicist must apply bioassay data, both in vivo and excreta data to mathematical models which describe the translocation of plutonium in humans. To assist in obtaining the best estimate possible, the health physicist often utilizes field data including results of air sampling at the work location, chemical form and solubility of the material to which the worker has or may have been exposed and contamination surveys of the worker himself. The estimate made by the health physicist while the worker is alive is compared to the systemic burden based on autopsy data to evaluate the accuracy of the model used. Preliminary conclusions regarding findings of the study to date are presented.
