A COMPARTMENTAL MODEL OF URANIUM IN HUMAN HAIR FOR PROTRACTED INGESTION OF NATURAL URANIUM IN DRINKING WATER

• DOI: 10.1097/01.hp.0000345023.46165.1c
• Publication Date: 2009-05-21T18:04:50Z
• Authors: W B. Li; Z Karpas; L Salonen; P Kurttio; M Muikku; W Wahl; V Höllriegl; C Hoeschen; U Oeh
• Keywords: Depleted Uranium; Compartment (ship); Enriched uranium; Natural uranium

To predict uranium in human hair due to chronic exposure through drinking water, a compartment representing was added into the biokinetic model developed by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The compartmental used excretion as bioassay indicator elevated intakes. Two pathways, one starting from of plasma and other intermediate turnover soft tissue, are assumed transfer hair. rate determined reported contents urine hair, taking account growth 0.1 g d(-1). fractional absorption gastrointestinal tract 0.6% found fit best describe measured levels among users drilled wells Finland. ingestion dose coefficient for (238)U, which includes its progeny (234)Th, (234m)Pa, (234)Pa, calculated equal 1.3 x 10(-8) Sv Bq(-1) according model. This estimate is smaller than value 4.5 published ICRP members public. In this new model, better represented when accounted analysis can provide means assessing internal body burden uranium. applicable well an acute incident. latter case, sample be collected analyzed even several days after incident, whereas urinalysis requires collection shortly exposure. study applies intakes