No abstract

ConclusionsThe photochemical generation of peroxy radicals enables the direct determination of rate coefficients of the reaction of these radicals with alcohols.According to Howard, Schwalm and Ingold [ 3 ] secondary peroxy radicals are about 3-5 times more reactive in hydrogen abstraction reactions than tertiary ones. Comparing our results with those of Kroo et al.[lS], who investigdted the reactions of 2-cyano-2-propyl peroxy radicals with I-phenyl ethanol and benzyl alcohol as well, we obtain a factor o f 5 -5.5 at T = 55 C. Our values, however, seem to be somewhat higher than the rate coefficient of the reaction between a-hydroxyl-benzylperoxy radicals and benzyl alcohol measured by Howard and Korcek [8].The temperature dependence of the reaction between 1-phenylethyl peroxy radicals and 1-phenyl ethanol is in very good agreement with the data of Hajdu et al. Oxid. Commun. 6, 371 (1984).J. Chem. Kinet. 18, 31 (1986).( 1 988

The Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) established a laboratory network within the GHSI community to develop collective surge capacity for radionuclide bioassay in response to a radiological or nuclear emergency as a means of enhancing response capability, health outcomes and community resilience. GHSI partners conducted an exercise in collaboration with the WHO REMPAN (Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network) and the IAEA RANET (Response and Assistance Network), to test the participating laboratories (18) for their capabilities in in vitro assay of biological samples, using a urine sample spiked with multiple high-risk radionuclides (90Sr, 106Ru, 137Cs, and 239Pu). Laboratories were required to submit their reports within 72 hours following receipt of the sample, using a pre-formatted template, on the procedures, methods and techniques used to identify and quantify the radionuclides in the sample, as well as the bioassay results with a 95% confidence interval. All of the participating laboratories identified and measured all or some of the radionuclides in the sample. However, gaps were identified in both the procedures used to assay multiple radionuclides in one sample, as well as in the methods or techniques used to assay specific radionuclides in urine. Two third of the participating laboratories had difficulties in determining all the radionuclides in the sample. Results from this exercise indicate that challenges remain with respect to ensuring that results are delivered in a timely, consistent and reliable manner to support medical interventions. Laboratories within the networks are encouraged to work together to develop and maintain collective capabilities and capacity for emergency bioassay, which is an important component of radiation emergency response.

The Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) established a laboratory network within the GHSI community to develop collective surge capacity for radionuclide bioassay in response to a radiological or nuclear emergency. A recent exercise was conducted to test the participating laboratories for their capabilities in screening and in vitro assay of biological samples, performing internal dose assessment, and providing advice on medical intervention, if necessary, using a urine sample spiked with a single radionuclide, 241Am. Laboratories were required to submit their reports according to the exercise schedule and using pre-formatted templates. Generally, the participating laboratories were found to be capable with respect to rapidly screening samples for radionuclide contamination, measuring the radionuclide in the samples, assessing the intake and radiation dose, and providing advice on medical intervention. However, gaps in bioassay measurement and dose assessment have been identified. The network may take steps to ensure that procedures and practices within this network be harmonized and a follow-up exercise be organized on a larger scale, with potential participation of laboratories from the networks coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Two people were exposed to and contaminated with Am. In vivo determinations of the incorporatedAm were performed using a whole-body counter and two partial-body counters for the skull and lung, respectively. Additionally, urine samples were analysed to estimate the systemic activity removed from the body. To improve the geometry of the skull measurements, an optimised detector configuration was used, a calibration with three physical phantoms of the human head was conducted, and the morphological variability between the individuals was also considered. The results of the measurements indicate that activity is not deposited in the deep tissues, rather in the skin tissues close to the body surface. Unfortunately, the many open questions relating to the actual circumstances during and after the incident make the interpretation of this case difficult if at all possible.