Prediction models for 90Sr in shed deciduous teeth and infant bone

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiological Health
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Radioactive fallout from nuclear activities poses risks to human health.
• Strontium-90 (90Sr) is a significant bone-seeking radionuclide found in fallout.
• Deciduous teeth serve as a valuable bioindicator for assessing radionuclide exposure in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze 90Sr levels in deciduous teeth collected from children in Denmark, the Faroes, and Greenland.
• To investigate the relationship between 90Sr levels, fallout rates, and accumulated fallout.
• To compare 90Sr accumulation in teeth and bones across different geographic regions.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 235 shed deciduous tooth crown samples from children born between 1953-1963.
• Radiochemical analysis of tooth samples to quantify 90Sr concentrations.
• Development of prediction models to correlate 90Sr levels with fallout data and geographic location.

Main Results:

• 90Sr levels in deciduous teeth showed a clear correlation with both the rate and accumulation of radioactive fallout.
• A consistent predictive model described 90Sr levels in teeth of children born 1950-1962 and bone levels in infants born 1962-1968.
• Children from the Faroes exhibited nearly twice the 90Sr levels compared to Danish children for equivalent fallout.
• Peak 90Sr levels were observed in children born in 1963, with Faroese levels estimated at 24 pCi 90Sr/g Ca.

Conclusions:

• Deciduous teeth are reliable indicators of cumulative 90Sr exposure in pediatric populations.
• Geographic location significantly influences 90Sr bioaccumulation, with the Faroes showing higher levels than Denmark.
• Fallout monitoring and bioindicator studies are crucial for understanding radionuclide uptake in children.