Management of internal contamination accidents

ABSTRACT

The key to success in managing accidents is the prompt and accurate response of the emergency team. Literature data on the preparation of well conceived emergency plans for the management of internal contamination accidents include among others the following two publications "The guidebook for the treatment of accidental internal radionuclide contamination of workers", published in Radiation Protection Dosimetry, vol. 41, 1992 and "Assessment and Treatment of External and Internal Radionuclide Contamination", IAEA-TecDoc-869, 1996. Internal contamination by radionuclides occur most likely by inhalation, ingestion or absorption from wounds. The consequences of the contamination depend upon the route of intake, on the physical and chemical properties of the radionuclide and on the amount of activity incorporated. Decisions about the treatment of internally contaminated people should only be made by physicians. The techniques to assess intakes depend on the mode and level of intake, the type and energy of the radiation emitted, the biokinetic of the contaminant and the sensitivity and availability of measurement facilities. In vivo and in vitro techniques are used to quantify internal contamination. This document explains techniques such as In vivo bioassay, In vitro techniques, In vitro bioassay and it discusses about bioassay monitoring techniques, physical samples and interpretation of results: