Carcinogenic effects in rat progeny exposed perinatally to radionuclides.

The distribution of two transuranic elements, plutonium and americium, in pregnant rats and in their fetuses, and the carcinogenic effects seen in progeny exposed perinatally are discussed. The appearance of malignant tumours in the liver and skeleton corresponds to the pattern of deposition of these radionuclides in the body.

The metabolism of 3H compounds and limits for intakes by workers.

A wide variety of 3H compounds with different physico-chemical and radiotoxic properties are produced and used throughout the world. For the purpose of worker radiation safety, 3H compounds have been divided into five classes: oxide, gaseous, insoluble, soluble organic substances and precursors of nucleic acids. Based on recent radiobiological and dosimetric data the quality factor for 3H has been suggested (QF = 2).