Re: Protection & Detection: Pu Airborne

["Ron L. Kathren" <rkathren@beta.tricity.wsu.edu>]

To:  John C. White

These are very broad questions, the answers to which may depend upon 
specifics with respect to exposure.  For example, an answer to b) is lung 
lavage, but that hardly would ever be used.  The U.S. Transuranium and 
Uranium Registries would be happy to discuss these and other concerns and 
questions you may have regarding plutonium exposure.  Feel free to call 
me at 509-375-5643 (Direct line) or 509-376-6010 (Registries line) is you 
wish to consult; there is no charge or obligation.

Ron Kathren, Director, USTUR

On Wed, 17 May 1995, John C White wrote:

> Technical advice needed:
>   Let's assume for the moment an individual is planning to travel to a nation
> where Health Physics is a restricted or ignored area of specialization, and
> that individual will likely be entering an area where it is probable that
> Plutonium will exist in an airborne form.  What, if any, inconspicuous
> measures could that individual take to A) Minimize the intake of Plutonium
> particles?  B) Clear such dust from his respiratory passages following
> exposure?  C) Determine the level of exposure on return to the U.S.  The
> "Inconspicuous" requirement is limited to A) above.    Also, what devices are
> available and have a track record (history) which will monitor existence and
> extent of airborne Plutonium contamination?  I am aware that numerous consul-
> tants are available for extensive work in these areas, but the initial search
> is to the supremely valuable resource that is RADSAFE.  The above hypothetical
> situation is real.  Please post answers here, or if too lengthy, send to the
> address/FAX below.  Thanks for your time and consideration.
> 
> John C. White, RSO
> The University of Texas at Austin  OEHS
> 304 E. 24th St.  SER 202
> Austin, TX  78712-1024
> (512) 471-2042
> (512) 471-6918 FAX
> OHJCW@UTXDP.DP.UTEXAS.EDU
>