Physico-chemical characteristics of uranium compounds: a review.
OBJECTIVE
To collect values of parameters describing the physico-chemical properties of different uranium compounds in order to quantify their variability and to propose specific parameters for different workplaces and compounds.


METHODS
The published values of absorption parameters, gastrointestinal absorption fractions, activity median aerodynamic diameters and geometric standard deviations of the particle size activity distribution were collected.


RESULTS
Average and median values for each chemical form and workplace were determined for these parameters. These values can be used when no precise information is known for dose assessment following internal contamination by uranium. This review presents and discusses the variability of these parameters for the different uranium chemical forms and workplaces. Finally, sensitivity of the dose coefficients to these parameters was quantified.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific parameter values for different workplaces and compounds were proposed and the variability quantified.
Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), Internal Dosimetry Department , Fontenay-aux-Roses , France.
Estelle
E
Davesne
Eric
E
Blanchardon
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000528:radiation effects; D000882:Haplorhini; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D051379:Mice; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010316:Particle Size; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D011874:Radiometry; D051381:Rats; D014501:Uranium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D014501:Uranium
Uranium; absorption; particle size; variability