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Distribution of uranium in human lungs
Y Igarashi1, A Yamakawa, C Kim
1Department of Chemistry, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Radioisotopes
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Human lung tissue analysis revealed higher uranium and silicon levels in upper lobes. This suggests airborne dust deposition and potential uranium removal from lower lung tissues.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Airborne dust exposure can lead to the accumulation of elements like uranium and silicon in human lung tissue.
- Understanding elemental distribution within lung lobes is crucial for assessing exposure and potential health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify uranium and silicon concentrations in different human lung lobes.
- To investigate the distribution patterns of uranium and silicon within the lungs.
- To explore potential mechanisms influencing elemental deposition and removal in lung tissue.
Main Methods:
- Human lung samples were dissected into lobes.
- Uranium content was determined using the fission track method.
- Silicon content was measured using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).
Main Results:
- Both uranium and silicon concentrations were found to be higher in the upper lung lobes compared to the lower lobes.
- The uranium-to-silicon (U/Si) concentration ratio was higher in the upper lung sections than in the lower sections.
Conclusions:
- The observed distribution of uranium and silicon in lung lobes is likely influenced by airborne dust deposition patterns.
- The elevated U/Si ratio in upper lung regions may indicate a partial removal of uranium from the lower lung tissues over time.