A comparison of systemic burdens at autopsy to estimates based on health physics data for selected plutonium workers

To obtain an estimate of the systemic burden of plutonium in a worker, the health physicist must apply bioassay data, both in vivo and excreta data to mathematical models which describe the translocation of plutonium in humans. To assist in obtaining the best estimate possible, the health physicist often utilizes field data including results of air sampling at the work location, chemical form and solubility of the material to which the worker has or may have been exposed and contamination surveys of the worker himself. The estimate made by the health physicist while the worker is alive is compared to the systemic burden based on autopsy data to evaluate the accuracy of the model used. Preliminary conclusions regarding findings of the study to date are presented.