The Use of Sulphur as a Protecting Agent against Ionizing Radiations

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/09553006214551061· OSTI ID:4750188

Charlesby, A.; Garratt, P. G.; Kopp, P. M.

Many sulfur-containing compounds are known to be effective radiation protectors in biological systems. Experiments were carried out to assess the degree of protection offered by sulfur in simple polymeric systems, either in aqueous solutions or liquids. Aqueous solutions (5 per cent) of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethyleneoxide were irradiated until gel formation occurred. Similar experiments were carried out with dimethylsiloxane polymer fluid. The dose to gel was found to be independent of doserate, but was greatly increased by the presence of extremely small amounts of colloidal sulfur (approximately 10/sup -3/ -- 10/sup -4/ gram atoms per liter). The protective efficiency was sufficiently high to rule out combination with radicals as a reaction mechanism. Gas evolution was, however, unaffected in the silicones. No significant protection was observed in the presence of oxygen.

• Research Organization: Royal Military Coll. of Science, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, Eng.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-005923
• OSTI ID: 4750188
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 5; ISSN 0020-7616
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
COLLOIDS
MEA
MERCAPTOETHYLAMINE
METHYL RADICALS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
POLYETHYLENES
POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE
PVP
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOCHEMISTRY
SILICONES
SILOXANES
SOLUTIONS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
WATER