Re: Uranium Uptake Above 10 CFR 20 Limit

[brackett@bright.net]

This is where those two orders of magnitude difference in exretion
fractions make a difference.  Because the fraction entering the transfer
compartment (and thus the kidneys) from the lungs is so small for the more
insoluble forms, the radiation dose to the lungs is the limiting value.

As was noted in a previous post, it may be that the particular form inhaled
in this case was not U3O8.  The notice didn't contain the specifics of
their assumptions.  

Liz

At 07:05 AM 8/16/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>Regardless of the sophistry you employ, the fact is that uranium is a
>nephrotoxin; so its concentration in the urine is the key indicator of
potential
>hazard, regardless of the nominal chemical form.  If urinalysis indicates an
>uptake above the mass limit, this must be taken seriously.
>
>The licensee did the right thing by admitting the problem, rather than
going into
>denial with specious legalistic arguments.
>

******************************
  Elizabeth M. Brackett, CHP 
     Sr. Health Physicist     
     MJW Corporation, Inc.       
       (330) 644-3757        
  mailto:brackett@bright.net 
******************************
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html