RE: Beer as a chelating agent for uranium

["Vargo, George J" <vargo@pnl.gov>]

The elimination of uranium through urine is enhanced with the use of
bicarbonates.  Beer or any other carbonated beverage should achieve he desired
effect to varying degrees(as will Alka Seltzer - TM) To my knowledge beer does
not contain a chelating agent per se (i.e. organic molecules that will form an
oragometallic complex around the desired metal ion. -- well, unless you count
the lime wedge in the Corona).  The package insert for chelating agents
prescribed for Pu and Am (i.e., Ca and Zn-DTPA) specifically state that they are
not to be used for uranium.

See NCRP 65.

George J. Vargo, Ph.D., CHP
International Nuclear Safety Program
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
509-375-6836; 509-375-2019 (fax)
vargo@pnl.gov
INSP web site:  http://atom.pnl.gov:2080

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