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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
Probability for human intake of an atom randomly released into ground, rivers, oceans and air
Abstract:
Numerical estimates are developed for the probability of an atom randomly released in the top ground layers, in a river, or in the oceans to be ingested orally by a human, and for an atom emitted from an industrial source to be inhaled by a human. Estimates are obtained for both probability per year and for eventual probability. Results vary considerably for different elements, but typical values for total probabilities are: ground, 3 X 10(-3); oceans, 3 X 10(-4); rivers, 1.7 X 10(-4); and air, 5 X 10(-6). Probabilities per year are typically 1 X 10(-7) for releases into the ground and 5 X 10(-8) for releases into the oceans. These results indicate that for material with very long-lasting toxicity, it is important to include the pathways from the ground and from the oceans.
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