Probability for human intake of an atom randomly released into ground, rivers, oceans and air.
Numerical estimates are developed for the probability of an atom randomly released in the top ground layers, in a river, or in the oceans to be ingested orally by a human, and for an atom emitted from an industrial source to be inhaled by a human. Estimates are obtained for both probability per year and for eventual probability. Results vary considerably for different elements, but typical values for total probabilities are: ground, 3 X 10(-3); oceans, 3 X 10(-4); rivers, 1.7 X 10(-4); and air, 5 X 10(-6). Probabilities per year are typically 1 X 10(-7) for releases into the ground and 5 X 10(-8) for releases into the oceans. These results indicate that for material with very long-lasting toxicity, it is important to include the pathways from the ground and from the oceans.
D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants; D000818:Animals; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D011336:Probability; D012119:Respiration; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014873:Water Pollutants; D014881:Water Supply
D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014873:Water Pollutants