title: Uncertainties on predicted concentrations of radionuclides in terrestrial foods and ingestion doses.
abstract: Models are routinely used to calculate doses following routine releases and potential accidental releases of radionuclides. These models contain a number of parameters. Values for many of these are not accurately known. The primary aim of this study was to determine the level of uncertainty on predicted concentrations of radionuclides in foods, and doses to individuals consuming those foods, arising from uncertainties on the model input parameter values. A secondary objective was to identify those input parameters whose uncertainty makes a major contribution to the overall uncertainty on the predicted endpoints. The methodology adopted and results obtained are presented for the following radionuclides: 90Sr, 131I, 137Cs and 239Pu. The estimated uncertainty ratios (the ratio of the 95th to the 5th percentile) are frequently very large, often two to three orders of magnitude. The results of this study may be used to identify areas where further research could improve assessment capabilities.
authors.affiliation: National Radiological Protection Board, Didcot, Oxon, UK. rachel.smith@nrpb.org.uk
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mansfield
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Haywood
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Walters
mesh_terms: D000059:Accidents; D000328:Adult; D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes / Q000378:metabolism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005060:Europe; D005507:Food Contamination, Radioactive; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000378:metabolism; D009688:Nuclear Reactors; D011005:Plutonium / Q000378:metabolism; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes; D011005:Plutonium