ISSN:
1588-2780
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract Rib bone samples of human accident victims were analyzed for thorium. The analysis was carried out using neutron activation technique to determine Th-232. The age of the victims ranged between 6 years and 65 years. The thorium concentration was found to increase with age. The measured concentration ranged from 0.20 ng/g fresh weight at age 6 years to 1.84 ng/g at age 65 years. The arithmetic mean and geometric mean concentrations were found to be 0.54±0.38 ng/g and 0.46x/÷1.8 ng/g (by excluding the outlier high value of 65-year-old individual). These values are much lower in comparison to those reported by earlier workers. Assuming the total skeletal weight as 14.3% of the body weight and taking the average Indian's body weights as 14.5, 38 and 50 kg at ages 5, 15 and 〉18 years, the estimate of total skeletal thorium was made. A plot of the total skeletal thorium with age groupings 0–10, 10–20... 50–60 years could be fitted into a linear relation with age. However, the deviation of data in 40–50 and 50–60-year age groups was such that the data could also be fitted into a sub-linearly increasing curve. Both the fittings, however, show a considerably lower rate of uptake in bone than that expected from substitution of Indian (Bombay) intake data into the ICRP model of Th metabolism.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02047971
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