Hematological responses after inhaling {sup 238}PuO{sub 2}: An extrapolation from beagle dogs to humans

Technical Report · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/54834· OSTI ID:54834

Scott, B R; Muggenburg, B A; Welsh, C A; Angerstein, D A

The alpha emitter plutonium-238 ({sup 238}Pu), which is produced in uranium-fueled, light-water reactors, is used as a thermoelectric power source for space applications. Inhalation of a mixed oxide form of Pu is the most likely mode of exposure of workers and the general public. Occupational exposures to {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} have occurred in association with the fabrication of radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Organs and tissue at risk for deterministic and stochastic effects of {sup 238}Pu-alpha irradiation include the lung, liver, skeleton, and lymphatic tissue. Little has been reported about the effects of inhaled {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} on peripheral blood cell counts in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate hematological responses after a single inhalation exposure of Beagle dogs to alpha-emitting {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} particles and to extrapolate results to humans.

• Research Organization: Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Inst., Albuquerque, NM (United States). Inhalation Toxicology Research Inst.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 54834
• Report Number(s): ITRI--144; ON: DE95007526
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BEAGLES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BLOOD CELLS
EXTRAPOLATION
HEMATOLOGY
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INHALATION
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
PROGRESS REPORT