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Suggested reduction of permissible exposure to plutonium and other transuranium elements
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|August 1, 1975
Summary
The maximum permissible body burden for plutonium-239 (239Pu) may need revision. Current standards might not be conservative enough, suggesting a significant reduction in the permissible limit for bone exposure.
Area of Science:
- Radiological protection
- Nuclear safety
- Environmental health
Background:
- Historical values for the maximum permissible body burden (MPBB) of plutonium-239 (239Pu) have evolved.
- Current radiation protection standards require re-evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the historical development of the 239Pu MPBB standard.
- To discuss considerations for revising the current 239Pu standard.
- To evaluate the adequacy of existing standards for low dose rates and actinide elements.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and scientific literature on 239Pu dosimetry.
- Analysis of evidence regarding the linear hypothesis at low dose rates.
- Assessment of the lung and bone as critical organs for 239Pu exposure.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests the linear hypothesis may be insufficiently conservative for actinides at low dose rates.
- A satisfactory MPBB for 239Pu, based on the lung, cannot be determined until the 'particle problem' is resolved.
- Studies indicate the current MPBB based on bone should be reduced by at least a factor of 200.
Conclusions:
- The current MPBB for 239Pu requires significant revision, particularly concerning bone exposure.
- Further research is needed to address uncertainties related to the 'particle problem' and low dose rate effects for actinides.