Abstract
The biokinetics of Am and Pu after inhalation of industrial (U, Pu) mixed oxides (MOX) and PuO2 in the rat have been studied. The two forms of MOX studied were made according to the COCA or MIMAS processes and contained about 5% Pu. The lung clearance was inhibited for initial deep lung deposits (IDLD) larger than 3-4 kBq. After MOX inhalation, a low transfer rate of Am and Pu from the lungs to the extrapulmonary organs was observed. The retention in these organs was about 0.065% and 0.038% of the IDLD on day 10 post-exposure, and about 0.82% and 0.36% on day 90 for COCA and MIMAS powders, respectively. In contrast, after inhalation of PuO2, the retention in the extrapulmonary organs corresponded to about 1.25% of the ILB on day 7 post-inhalation. It was observed that at I week after inhalation of either MOX or PuO 2 , the amount of Am relative to total α emitters was higher in the kidneys and skeleton than in the crude powders.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
