Plutonium Biokinetics in Human Body A. Luciani - Kit-Bibliothek - FZK

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INDEX OF CONTENTS
INDEX OF SYMBOLS ........................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 5
1.1 PROBLEM DEFINITION.................................................................................................... 7
1.2 PLUTONIUM................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.1 Physical characteristics ................................................................................................ 9
1.2.2 Chemical properties ................................................................................................... 11
1.2.3 Toxicology ................................................................................................................ 13
1.2.4 Uses of Plutonium...................................................................................................... 14
1.3 PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL DOSIMETRY......................................................................... 17
1.3.1 Paths and modes of intake.......................................................................................... 17
1.3.2 Dose assessments ....................................................................................................... 19
1.3.3 Measurement techniques............................................................................................ 21
1.4 THE ICRP 67 MODEL FOR PLUTONIUM ....................................................................... 25
1.4.1 Description of the ICRP 67 model............................................................................. 25
1.4.2 Comments on the ICRP 67 model.............................................................................. 28
Chapter 2 DATA AND MEASUREMENTS.................................................................. 31
2.1 AVAILABLE INFORMATION ON PLUTONIUM METABOLISM ........................................... 33
2.1.1 Experiments on humans ............................................................................................. 34
2.1.1.1 Langham’s study and relating works........................................................... 34
2.1.1.2 Further experimental investigations ........................................................... 35
2.1.2 Empirical curves......................................................................................................... 36
2.1.3 Occupational exposures ............................................................................................. 40
2.2 A DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTAMINATION CASE........................................................... 43
2.2.1 The contamination event............................................................................................ 43
2.2.2 Available measurements ............................................................................................ 44
2.3 ACTIVITY MEASUREMENTS IN ORGANS........................................................................ 47
2.3.1 Basic measurement principles.................................................................................... 47
2.3.1.1 Shielding....................................................................................................... 47
2.3.1.2 Detectors ...................................................................................................... 48
2.3.1.3 Geometry...................................................................................................... 52
2.3.1.4 Energy calibration ....................................................................................... 53
2.3.1.5 Efficiency calibration................................................................................... 55
2.3.1.6 Minimum Detectable Activity....................................................................... 57
2.3.2 Materials and Methods............................................................................................... 59
2.3.2.1 Description of the devices............................................................................ 59
2.3.2.2 Performances ............................................................................................... 63
2.3.2.3 Measurements execution.............................................................................. 67
2.3.3 Results of the measurements...................................................................................... 68
2.4 ACTIVITY MEASUREMENTS IN BIOASSAYS ................................................................... 72
2.4.1 Basic measurement principles.................................................................................... 72
2.4.1.1 Sample collection ......................................................................................... 72
2.4.1.2 Sample preparation...................................................................................... 72