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The translocation dynamics of plutonium and americium from simulated wounds contaminated with Pu(NO,), and high fired PuO, (calcined at 85OoC) in the paw of dogs were analyzed by in vivo counting equipment. Measurements were made over the implant site and the major superficial cervical lymph node with a NaI(T1) detector system. The difference in accumulation dynamics between the two chemical forms and effects of DTPA treatment are shown. In all cases, measurable levels of plutonium movement to this lymph node was seen within minutes.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from controls and from a small population of plutonium workers with internal plutonium depositions, cumulative chronic external irradiation, and occupational exposure to single or multiple chemicals, were analysed for the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and chromosome aberrations. SCE are sensitive to some chemical mutagens, while chromosome aberrations are induced by moderate to high doses of ionizing radiation, and therefore these different cytogenetic end-points are complementary. We analysed the frequency data from workers grouped by internal systemic burdens of plutonium (less than 148, 148-740 and greater than 740 Bq) and to those exposed to five chemicals in the workplace: perchloroethylene, beryllium, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and trichloroethylene. A significant increase in chromosome aberrations compared with the control frequency was observed only in cells of workers with greater than 740 Bq of internalized plutonium. Based on prior studies, the lack of a dose-response indicator from internal plutonium was not unexpected because of the small sample and the low frequency of aberrations induced at the lower plutonium burdens. There were no significant increases in the SCE mean frequencies when analysed by estimated internal plutonium or from exposure to any of the chemicals.

An explosion inside a 238Pu glove box line at iMound Laboratory resulted in significant inhalation exposures being received by three personnel. The three employees were sent to the Dow Chemical Company's Rocky Flats site for whole body counting three weeks after the incident. Whole body counting measurements were made using the 17 keV (Average) X-ray associated with the decay of 238Pu. These measurements indicated that the employees had lung burdens of 0.134 pCi, 0.141 pCi, and 0.091 pCi.The urine data obtained on these three employees during the first 180 days post-exposure is given. These data show an elimination pattern which differs from the pattern observed in previous inhalation exposures to 238Pu at Mound Laboratory. Long term systemic burdens are estimated to be 0.03 pCi, 0.29 pCi and 0.21 pCi.

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