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Caesium contamination in human milk and transfer factor from diet
S Risica1, G Campos Venuti, A Rogani
1Laboratorio di Fisica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
The Analyst
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Cesium contamination in human milk was studied in northern Italy following the Chernobyl disaster. Cesium transfer factors were evaluated using dietary intake and a milk compartment model.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Radiological Health
Background:
- The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 led to widespread radioactive contamination.
- Cesium-137 is a significant radionuclide released during the Chernobyl event.
- Human milk can be a pathway for radionuclide transfer to infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess caesium contamination in human milk in northern Italy post-Chernobyl.
- To quantify caesium intake in lactating women.
- To evaluate the caesium transfer factor from diet to breast milk.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted in 1989 on women in a heavily affected area of northern Italy.
- Dietary habits were analyzed to estimate caesium intake.
- Mean food activity concentration was used for intake calculations.
- Caesium transfer factor was determined using two methods: direct ratio and a milk compartment model.
Main Results:
- Caesium contamination was detected in human milk samples.
- Dietary intake of caesium was calculated based on local food contamination levels.
- The caesium transfer factor was evaluated, providing insights into radionuclide transfer dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The study quantified caesium transfer into human milk in a specific Italian region after Chernobyl.
- Findings contribute to understanding radionuclide transfer in humans and inform public health assessments.
- The milk compartment model provided a valuable tool for evaluating caesium transfer.