Comparative Distribution of 238U, 234U and 230Th in Tissues of Uranium Miners, Millers and the General Population

Abstract

Concentrations of 238U, 234U and 230Th were determined in soft tissues and bones of uranium miners, millers and the general population in the state of Colorado in the USA. The concentrations of the radionuclides were highest in the lung and the tracheobronchial lymph nodes. The organ burdens of these radionuclides were also estimated by multiplying the concentrations of these radionuclides in the particular organ with the organ weight for the reference man. The per cent organ distribution pattern differed considerably from miner to miner. The combined lung and tracheobronchial lymph node burden of 234U ranged from 7% to 84% and 238U ranged from 6% to 89% of the total body content. The combined lung and lymph node burden of 230Th ranged from only 1.3% to 19% of the total body burden. The systemic organ distribution patterns (excluding lung and lymph nodes) of 238U, 234U and 230Th among miners, millers and the general population were similar. The skeleton accounted for 82% to 99% of the systemic burden of these radionuclides.