Re[2]: Deadly Plutonium ?

[Vincent.King@DOEGJPO.COM (Vincent King)]

     Emil and others,
     
     For some solubilities of uranium and depleted uranium, the chemical 
     toxicity limits are more restrictive than the radiological intake 
     limits.  However, the specific activity for plutonium is much 
     higher than for uranium (more becquerels per bushel), so I would 
     expect plutonium's radiological effects to far outweigh the 
     chemical toxicity.
     
     Also, to correct my earlier posting, I meant "2/100" (or 0.02) 
     ounces of plutonium (as was listed in the article) instead of 
     "1/200" ounce.  Kind of gives you confidence in the rest of what I 
     said, doesn't it?
     
     Happy Monday,
     
     Vincent King
     vincent.king@doegjpo.com


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Deadly Plutonium ?
Author:  Kerembaev@cs.com at Internet
Date:    2/7/00 1:10 PM


Joseph and Others,
I always had an impression that Pu-239 has more toxic damaging health effects 
than its radiation damage abilities. Wouldn't be a person lethally poisoned 
faster then die from the radiation damages? I believe, that PU-239 AIL is 
based on its toxicity.
So then Joseph, you are right that alpha from Uranium or Pu are still alphas 
and they have the same LETs. I do not remember the exact energies but I think 
they are very close.
Please, correct me if I am wrong.
Emil.
kerembaev@cs.com


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