Dissolution rate and radiation dosimetry of metal tritides
Metal tritides including titanium tritide (Ti {sup 3}H{sub x}) and erbium tritide (Er {sup 3}H{sub x}) have been used as components of neutron generators. These compounds can be released to the air as aerosols during fabrication, assembling, and testing of components or in accidental or fugitive releases; as a result, workers may be exposed to these compounds by inhalation. A joint research project between Sandia National Laboratories and the Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute was initiated last fall to investigate the solubility of metal tritide particles, to determine retention and translocation of inhaled particles in animals, and to develop an internal dosimetry model. The current understanding of metal tritides and their radiation dosimetry for dosimetry in metal tritide form. However, a few papers in the literature suggest that the solubility of metal tritide could be low. The current radiation protection guidelines for metal tritide particles are based on the assumption that the biological behavior is similar to tritiated water which could be easily absorbed into body fluid, and therefore, a relatively short biological half life (10 days). If the solubility is low, exposure to these particles could be quite different from tritiated water. This would have significant implications in the current health protection guidelines including annual limits of intakes and derived air concentrations. The preliminary results of our metal tritide dissolution study indicated that the solubility of titanium tritide is low.
- Research Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety, and Health, Washington, DC (United States). Office of Health; USDOE Nevada Field Office, Las Vegas, NV (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76EV01013
- OSTI ID:
- 45346
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9304128--; ON: DE95004507
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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