TASTRAK spectroscopy of polonium-210 alpha-particle activity at bone surfaces: Evidence for a concentrated surface deposit less than 3 {mu}m deep
- Bristol Univ. (United Kingdom)
The technique of {alpha}-particle spectroscopy by CR-39 type TASTRAK plastic has been used to study the depth distribution of natural {alpha}-particle emitters at the surface of human bone. The predominant component of this {alpha}-particle activity was {sup 210}Po supported by {sup 210}Pb, although a smaller activity of {sup 226}Ra was also detected. Autopsy samples of human femur and cranium were obtained from subjects age 63 to 86. Both cortical and trabecular surfaces were analyzed. The results indicate that {sup 210}Pb-supported {sup 210}Po is concentrated at the surfaces of human bone from elderly subjects, in a narrow band 3 {mu}m deep or less, by a factor of about four. As a result, the {alpha}-particle dose to the nuclei of cells lining bone surfaces is around 1.8 times greater than that calculated for a uniform volume distribution. Polonium-210 activity indicates the distribution of {sup 210}Pb, and of stable lead, received by continuous intake throughout life at a very low level. A persistent bone surface concentration of lead and other osteotropic metals may be associated with the hypermineralized layer about 1 {mu}m thick which occurs at the surface of resting bone mineral. 31 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 79332
- Journal Information:
- Radiation Research, Vol. 140, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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