Internal contamination in Paducah, KY

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

My 2 cents worth:  Postmortem examination of exhumed tissues is subject to
considerable error, not the least of which are contamination by uranium
naturally present in the grave site or embalming fluid (if embalmed) which
could cause higher than true values, and leaching by ground water which
could result in lower than true values.  Such data need to be carefully
considered and evaluated.  Having read the article, it appears that isotopic
analysis was done which was consistent with and indeed pointed to
occupational exposure.  However, since no actual values were given, it is
hard to assess the level of exposure, and I have considerable skepticism
about annual doses as high as 600 rem to the bone.  Maybe to the bone
surfaces, which would equate to a much lower EDE more comparable to the
annnual whole body limit.

Ron kathren



-----Original Message-----
From: Carroll, R.G. (Sandy) <carrollrg@pgdp.usec.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 1999 8:24 AM
Subject: RE: Evidence of internal contamination in Paducah, KY


>John,
>I'm curious as to what information in the newspaper article lead to the
>conclusion that "it appears that he did receive a significant body burden"?
>
>Would you expect some uranium above background levels to appear in the
>skeleton of an individual that worked around uranium for years?
>
>Ray Carroll
>
>Original message -> The following appeared on the front page of the
>Washingtion Post, August 22.  While the worker probably did not die from
>radiation exposure, it appears that he did receive a significant body
>burden.
>
>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/aug99/paducah22.htm
>
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