A Dosimetric Model for Inhaled Radioactive Gases

Abstract

Mathematical simulation models have been used to study transport of insoluble and nonreactive gases for more than twenty years. However, gas and vapor transport and uptake still are not well understood, and a mathematical model for slightly soluble and nonreactive gas transport and uptake still has not been developed. This paper describes the development of a mathematical model of diffusion, convection, lateral transport into the airway wall, and alveolar absorption for inhaled radioactive gases in human conductive and respiratory airways. The model is based on a single-path trumpet-bell model. Sensitivity studies were conducted to ascertain the influence on the final model of the functional residual capacity, the tidal volume and diffusivity and solubility. Results obtained with this model are presented for HT gas exposure and are compared with other findings. In general, the results obtained in this research are in good agreement with other mean experimental results.