RE: SOURCE DESTROYED ACCIDENTALLY... AT PARIS AIRPORT

["Dov Brickner" <brickner@zahav.net.il>]

Chromosome abberations is the most sensitive method of "biological

dosimetry" currently avaiable for external radiation exposure (more

sensitive methods exist but not widely accepted and I think a baseline -

before exposure- sample is needed for comparision). Radiation forms rather

unique changes in the shape of chromosomes -"dicentric chromosomes"- and

dicentric count is  dose dependant. At least 500 cells are needed to be

counted and, unless some improvements took place during the last couple of

years, the minimal detectable dose is about 0.1Gy for acute exposure.

Chornic exposures can also be detected, but  at higher doses. for more

accurate details we need a radiobiologist



Dov  (Dubi)Brickner   MD

Beer Sheva    ISRAEL





> -----Original Message-----

> From: owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu

> [mailto:owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu]On Behalf Of Peter Sandgren

> Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2002 7:56 PM

> To: 'Radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu'

> Subject: re: SOURCE DESTROYED ACCIDENTALLY... AT PARIS AIRPORT

>

>

> I have a question regarding the following excerpt:

> IRSN's Gourmelon said results of the latest

> > batch of detailed chromosome readings of FedEx personnel,

> > just completed, had "not changed the picture" regarding the

> > radiological impact of the iridium package, i.e., no further

> > unusually high dose had been detected. He added that the cost

> > of reading the 2,000 blood cells required to detect such relatively

> > low doses was prohibitive

>

> Can anyone explain "chromosome readings" and give me the

> nutshell version

> of assessing radiation dose from the results?  I've read that changes in

> blood cells are one of the first things that can be detected in a person

> who has been subjected to an acute radiation dose.  I would like to

> reference this (in basic terminology) in my presentation on effects of

> radiation.  A brief paragraph is all I need, though I'm sure many on the

> list could explain in great detail.  Thank you!

> Peter Sandgren

> Training Division

> Connecticut Office of Emergency Management

>

> Peter Sandgren

> Training Division

> GIS Mapping Systems

> Connecticut Office of Emergency Management

>

>





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