Absorption of americium compounds in the respiratory tract.
OBJECTIVE
To improve the dosimetry of incorporated americium (Am) and to contribute to radiation protection by characterizing the absorption kinetics of inhaled Am compounds.


METHODS
In vitro dissolution tests, animal experiments and human contamination cases published in the literature were reviewed. The data were analyzed with biokinetic models consistent with the current publications of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.


RESULTS
Material-specific dissolution parameter values with consequent assignment to absorption Types are proposed as well as representative central values for the different chemical forms of Am.


CONCLUSIONS
The absorption of Am oxide is consistent with the moderate absorption Type M while Am nitrate appears more soluble. Am associated with plutonium oxide usually follows its slow absorption Type S. However, the large variability observed stresses the value of investigating the specific absorption kinetics for Am compounds which represent a significant risk of internal exposure.
IRSN - Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, Laboratory of internal dose assessment , Fontenay-aux-Roses , France.
Eric
E
Blanchardon
Estelle
E
Davesne
François
F
Paquet
Michael
M
Bailey
D065638:Absorption, Radiation; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000576:Americium / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000528:radiation effects; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D051381:Rats; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012995:Solubility
C034018:americium oxide; C041805:americium nitrate; D000576:Americium
Americium; HRTM; absorption; dissolution; inhalation; kinetics; lung; respiratory tract; solubility