Medical aspects of sup 137 Cs decorporation: The Goiania radiological accident

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Health Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199101000-00009· OSTI ID:6067574

Farina, R; Brandao-Mello, C E; Oliveira, A R ^[1]

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1. Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria/CNEN, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

In September 1987, the Goiania radiological accident involving a source of {sup 137}Cs culminated in about 140 victims who presented internal and/or external contamination and/or external exposure to radiation and/or radiation burns. Internal contamination was verified through analysis of urine and fecal samples. Internal contamination was also evaluated by measurements performed at the whole-body counter installed in Goiania in November 1987. To enhance the decorporation of 137Cs, patients were treated with the following: (1) Prussian Blue, oral administration, in 46 patients; (2) diuretics, oral administration, in 17 patients; (3) induced perspiration, increasing {sup 137}Cs elimination. These procedures were done under rigorous clinical evaluation and considering the data from assay of excreta and data obtained from the whole-body counter. The doses of Prussian Blue exceeded about 6.5 times the dose previously indicated in the literature. It was the first time diuretics were used in humans to treat {sup 137}Cs internal contamination. The results of these procedures are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6067574
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Health Physics; (USA) Vol. 60:1; ISSN 0017-9078; ISSN HLTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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