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A Plutonium contaminated wound is described together with its management. Initially, 14.2 pCi of Plutonium were present in the wound this figure being reduced to about 1.8 pCi after two excisions. During the period of assessment DTPA was administered and the effect of this is discussed. Urinary excretion data were obtained and quantitative monitoring of the lymphatic channels of the arm and the liver were attempted. Various methods of assessment of body content are discussed which indicate the amount of retained Plutonium to lie between 0.1 and 1.5 pCi. Chromosome culture from blood lymphocytes was undertaken which indicated probable preferential irradiation of these cells. G. W. DOLPHIN

A brief review is given of the problems of choosing a critical organ for use in the radiological protection of workers and populations exposed to plutonium. Mathematical models to represent lung clearance and retention, transfer from the blood to body organs and organ retention are summarized. From these models values of (MPC), and MPBB are calculated and a value of pCi/cm3 is proposed as an appropriate value for adequately protecting workers using both class Y and class W compounds.

Plutonium is a valuable energy source and industrialized countries cannot afford to ignore its use, although it is a very toxic substance. The object of this paper is to revicw some of the biological problems associated with the protection of workers exposed to Pu. In order to make this review, it is necessary to discuss the present knowledge on Pu metabolism and the goss pathology produced by its incorporation in thc body.