Medical effects of internal contamination with actinides: further controversy on depleted uranium and radioactive warfare

Abstract

The Nuclear Age began in 1945 with testing in New Mexico, USA, and the subsequent bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Regardless of attempts to limit the development of nuclear weapons, the current world arsenal has reached the staggering dimensions and presents a significant concern for the biosphere and mankind. In an explosion of a nuclear weapon, over 400 radioactive isotopes are released into the biosphere, 40 of which pose potential dangers including iodine, cesium, alkaline earths, and actinides. The immediate health effects of nuclear explosions include thermal, mechanical, and acute radiation syndrome. Long-term effects include radioactive fallout, internal contamination, and long-term genotoxicity. The current controversial concern over depleted uranium's somatic and genetic toxicity is still a subject of worldwide sustained research. The host of data generated in the past decades has demonstrated conflicting findings, with the most recent evidence showing that its genotoxicity is greater than previously considered. Of particular concern are the osteotropic properties of uranium isotopes due to their final retention in the crystals of exchangeable and nonexchangeable bone as well as their proximity to pluripotent stem cells. Depleted uranium remains an unresolved issue in both warfare and the search for alternative energy sources.

Periodic trends and complexation chemistry of tetravalent actinide ions with a potential actinide decorporation agent 5‐LIO(Me‐3,2‐HOPO): A relativistic density functional theory exploration

“…Despite of extensive safety features, inadvertent release of actinides in the working environment remains a global concern as it poses significant health risks to the working personnel. Apart from nuclear facilities, one also cannot rule out the possibilities of actinides being used in the radiological dispersal devices (RDD) . After internal uptake, actinide ions distribute in different organs based on the route of intake and damage the associated tissues by high energy α particles.…”

“…After internal uptake, actinide ions distribute in different organs based on the route of intake and damage the associated tissues by high energy α particles. Significant radiation exposures to the organs may also lead to the acute radiation syndrome …”

Balkan syndrome 20 years after NATO aggression

“…У другим студијама Милер и други доказали су да ОУ има утицај и на развој леукемије (Miller, Bonait-Pellie, Merlot, 2005), као и да излагање ОУ in vitro за последицу има геномску нестабилност манифестовану као одгођено репродуктивно одумирање и стварање микронуклеуса (Miller et al, 2003). У свом прегледном раду, Дураковић је приказао истраживања којима је доказана генотокисчност ОУ у еритропоетском и репродуктивном систему, као и тетрагенетски ефекти са мутагенезом и хромозомским аберацијама (Duraković, 2016). Он је истакао да су ефетки ОУ на људе соматски и генетички "са капацитетом промене ћелијске структуре и функције у распону од морфолошких преко трансгенерацијских генетских последица" (Duraković, 2016, p. 113 (Williams, 2007).…”

“…In their other studies, Miller et al confirmed that DU was also a factor in the development of leukaemia (Miller, Bonait-Pellie, Merlot, 2005) and that DU exposure in vitro results in genomic instability manifested as delayed reproductive death and micronuclei formation (Miller et al, 2003). In his review article, Duraković cited studies which demonstrated DU genotoxicity in the erythropoietic and reproductive systems and DU teratogenic effects with mutagenesis and chromosomal aberrations (Duraković, 2016). He pointed out that the effects of DU on humans are somatic and genetic "with the capacity of alteration of cellular structure and function ranging from morphological through transgenerational genetic effects" (Duraković, 2016, p. 113).…”

Extended Release of DTPA via Encapsulation into Nanoparticles for the Decorporation of Deposited Radioactive Contaminants in the Lungs

“…Despite the importance of having nuclear power plants to meet the required energy worldwide, nuclear accidents still can happen. During nuclear accidents, a large amount of hazardous, radioactive materials may be released into the environment, including cesium-137 ( 137 C), strontium-90 ( 90 Sr), and uranium-234/235/238 ( 234/235/238 U) [7]. Humans can be exposed to radioactive materials externally when radionuclides stay outside the body or internally through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated air and food, respectively [8].…”