RE: Beer as a chelating agent for uranium

["Robert Loesch" <loesch@list.eh.doe.gov>]

My interpretation of what George was referring to is not a change in
the pH of the blood, but rather a change in the pH of the urine. The
taking of bicarbonates to buffer the urine was used by some in the past
because the solubility of nicotine decreases as the pH is increased.
This had the effect of allowing the nicotine to remain in the blood
(less was removed via the urine)for longer periods thereby reducing
one's craving for cigarettes (the original goal). What other waste
products also were building up in the urine as a result is another 
health question. I believe that the diuretic effect is most likely
what is important, so any increase in fluid intake should work.

By the way, when I supervised the Army's Nuclear Accident Incident
Control Team in Okinawa back in the 70's, it was customary to store
large caches of beer as treatment for accidental intakes of tritium.
The thought was not that beer was more effective than other liquids,
but it was easier to get the victims cooperation in the consumption.

Bob Loesch
US Department of Energy
DOELAP Program Manager

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
[mailto:radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu]On Behalf Of Otto G. Raabe
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 1999 12:37 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: RE: Beer as a chelating agent for uranium


At 09:48 PM 4/27/99 -0500, George Vargo wrote:
>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) 

April 27, 1999
Davis, CA

I believe that the pH of the blood is maintained homeostatically within a
narrow range based on the carbonic acid from carbon dioxide generated from
normal tissue oxygenation and metabolism. There is little chance of
significantly altering the blood acidity by drinking carbonated beverages
because carbon dioxide exhalation will eliminate the excess. It would be
easier to lower the pH of the blood by holding your breath than by drinking
beer. 

However, citric acid is not exhaled and is also has chelating properties,
so juices might have some effect.

Otto
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html