Comparative biokinetics of plutonium and americium after inhalation of PuO2 and mixed oxides (U, Pu)O2 in rat.

Purpose: To compare the biokinetics of Pu and Am in rat after inhalation of PuO2 and two (U, Pu) mixed oxides (MOX), referred to as MIMAS and SOLGEL.

Materials And Methods: Lung clearance was measured in vivo by X-and y-ray spectrometry. Retention of Pu and Am in femurs, liver and kidneys was measured by alpha-spectrometry.

Lung carcinogenesis in rats after inhalation exposure to (237)NpO2.

The results of several studies of experimental carcinogenesis suggest that, after inhalation of alpha-particle emitters, lung tumor incidence varies depending on the exposure rate and dose distribution in the tissue. In the case of transuranics, the main influencing factor would be the specific alpha-particle activity of the inhaled actinide. To confirm these results, long-term studies were performed using male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to (237)NpO(2) by inhalation.