U-238 Content in Urine of Uranium Miners and Its Modelled Values

Abstract

U-238 Content in Urine of Uranium Miners and Its Modelled ValuesAbstract Number:1674AbstractThe study is based on measurements of U-238 in urine among 88 active uranium miners using high-resolution inductively coupled mass spectrometry method. 100 samples of urine were collected. Daily levels are in the range of 0.1 – 8.6 mBq with the mean of 3.3 and standard deviation of 1.3 among hewers and with the mean of 2.1 and standard deviation of 1.1 among other professions. The experimental data are compared to those estimated from U-238 inhalation intake derived from long lived alpha activities monitored by personal ALGADE dosimeters and calculated excretion functions according to software IMBA. The fit between observed and calculated data is evaluated for different parameters like isotopic composition, particle size, or solubility of aerosol in the lungs. It was proven that biokinetics models lead to higher then excreted values. Although it may be caused by uncertainties connected with U-238 urine content. The correlations between observed and calculated are about 0.4 among hewers and 0.7 among others professions. Lower correlation for hewers is caused by some outlying long lived alpha intakes. The uncertainty of exposure data is assessed as well taking into account the temporal pattern of daily exposures, profession and age of miners. The study is supported by the European Commission and the Czech Ministry of Education (project DOREMI, GA 249689, 7G13001).