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Plutonium concentration in human tissues: comparison to thorium.

N P Singh, M E Wrenn, S A Ibrahim

    Health Physics
    |January 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study measured plutonium (Pu) and thorium (Th) concentrations in human tissues from Washington, DC, and Grand Junction, CO. Results reveal distinct organ distribution patterns for Pu and Th, indicating differences in their solubility and accumulation in the body.

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    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Science
    • Radiochemistry
    • Human Health

    Background:

    • Human tissues were analyzed for plutonium (Pu) and thorium (Th) isotopes.
    • Exposure sources included fallout from nuclear testing and a space nuclear generator.
    • Tissues were collected from healthy individuals who experienced sudden death.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To quantify the concentrations of specific plutonium isotopes (238Pu, 239,240Pu) and thorium isotopes (228Th, 230Th, 232Th) in human tissues.
    • To determine the organ distribution patterns of these radionuclides.
    • To compare the behavior of plutonium and thorium in the human body.

    Main Methods:

    • Radiochemical analysis of human tissue samples (lung, lymph nodes, liver, kidney, bone, spleen, gonads, thyroid).

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  • Measurement of 238Pu, 239,240Pu, 228Th, 230Th, and 232Th concentrations.
  • Comparison of tissue concentrations between two geographic locations (Washington, DC and Grand Junction, CO).

    • Main Results:

    • Median 239,240Pu concentrations varied by organ, with bone and liver showing the highest accumulation (54-60% and 34-43%, respectively).
    • 238Pu was primarily detected in the liver.
    • Significant differences were observed in organ distribution between plutonium and thorium, with plutonium favoring bone and liver storage, while thorium showed higher relative concentrations in lung and lymph nodes.

    Conclusions:

    • Plutonium and thorium exhibit distinct organ distribution patterns in humans.
    • The liver is a major storage site for plutonium, unlike thorium.
    • Fallout plutonium appears to be more soluble than natural thorium, based on lymph node to lung concentration ratios.