Application of a canine {sup 238}Pu biokinetics/dosimetry model to human bioassay data
- Univ. of Florida, Gainsville, FL (United States)
- Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM (United States); and others
Associated with the use of {sup 238}Pu in thermoelectric power sources for space probes is the potential for human exposure, primarily by inhalation and most likely as {sup 238}PuO{sub 2}. Several models have been developed for assessing the level of intake and predicting the resulting radiation dose following human exposure to {sup 239}Pu. However, there are indications that existing models do not adequately describe the disposition and dosimetry of {sup 239}Pu following human exposure. In this study, a canine model that accounts for these differences has been adapted for use with human excretion data. The model is based on existing knowledge about organ retention of plutonium. An analysis of the sensitivity of the model to changes in aerosol-associated properties indicated that predictions of urinary excretion are most sensitive to changes in particle solubility and diameter and in the ratio of fragment:particle surface area. Application of the model to urinary excretion data from seven workers exposed to a {sup 238}Pu ceramic aerosol gave estimated intakes of 390-8,200 Bq and associated initial pulmonary burdens of 80-1,700 Bq. The resulting 50-y dose commitments to critical organs per Bq of {sup 238}Pu intake were estimated to be 0.5 mSv for the thoracic region, 0.2 mSv for the liver, and 1 mSv for the bone surfaces. 29 refs., 8 figs., 7 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76EV01013
- OSTI ID:
- 255122
- Journal Information:
- Health Physics, Vol. 68, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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