Radiological protection and the lymphatic system: the induction of leukaemia consequent upon the internal irradiation of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes and the gastrointestinal tract wall.
The excess of leukaemia among young people living in the vicinity of the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Sellafield has focused attention on the possibility that irradiation of the lymphatic system from particulate alpha-emitting nuclides might be responsible. We discuss below two possible routes of such exposure; namely the inhalation and ingestion of particulates. We conclude that, in spite of the real possibility of substantial doses to tissues associated with the lymphatic system, there is little reason to expect that lymphatic leukaemia will be the dominant outcome of the exposure. However, the arguments presented are not, and cannot be, wholly conclusive.
Baverstock
K F
KF
MRC Radiobiology Unit, Chilton, Oxon, U.K.
Thorne
M C
MC
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000528:radiation effects; D004064:Digestive System / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000209:etiology*; D007953:Leukemia, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014132:Trachea / Q000528:radiation effects