Re: urinary elimination of uranium

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

Otto is quite correct concerning the regulation of pH.  NCRP-65 recommends the
use of bicarbonate AND monitoring of urinary pH to keep it on the acidic end of
the normal range.  Uranyl bicarbonate is much less nephrotixic than other forms.
The reduced pH also increases the fraction of uranium remaining in extracellular
fluid.

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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