In Vitro Bioaccessibility Extractions from Previously Collected Uranium Mineral Deposit Samples, 1971 and 1981, Southwestern U.S

Abstract

This data set provides total element concentration and simulated lung and gastric fluid bioaccessibility from previously collected Uranium mineral deposit samples (1971 and 1981, Southwestern U.S.) exploring possible exposures to other hazardous trace metals. Elevated total as well as simulated gastric and lung fluid concentrations were observed for arsenic, cobalt, manganese, thallium, vanadium and uranium. This compilation was initiated as an effort to gather information about potentially toxic trace elements present in deposits. Increased rates of lung cancer in uranium mine workers (1950 s) stimulated epidemiological studies that concluded the exposure to radioactive radon daughters was responsible but these studies did not examine any potential contribution from exposure to other toxic elements such as arsenic. By examining solubility in previously collected U mineral deposit samples with In Vitro Bioaccessibility tests, we explored possible exposures to other hazardous trace metals.