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Retention of /sup 239/Pu in the mouse lung and estimation of consequent dose following inhalation of sized /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3576371· OSTI ID:6536904

The retention of /sup 239/Pu in the lungs of SAS/4 mice following inhalation exposure to sized /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/ particles is described. When the initial alveolar deposition (IAD) was <200 Bq, retention of /sup 239/Pu could be described by a two-component exponential expression, about 90% being cleared with a half-time of about 40 days and the remainder with a half-time of about 150 days. Similar amounts of /sup 239/Pu were retained up to 3 months with IADs>800 Bq, but clearance was impaired thereafter, the half-time of the second component increasing to about 720 days. The retention of /sup 239/Pu was independent of the particle size of the administered /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/. Studies of the retention of /sup 239/Pu by individual lobes indicated that there were intrinsic interlobar differences which were enhanced at higher IADs. Lung clearance was also studied by the measurement of /sup 239/Pu in feces excreted by groups of mice in the period immediately prior to sacrifice. The estimation of radiation dose to lung is discussed.

Research Organization:
AERE, Harwell, England
OSTI ID:
6536904
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 99:2; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English