Depleted Uranium

The fate of inhaled uranium-containing particles upon clearance to gastrointestinal tract

“…1 Being a heavy metal, its chemical toxicity is independent of the radioactivity-related toxicity and thus cannot be overlooked. 2 The established maximum U contamination level in drinking water is 30 ppb. 3 Exposure to higher contamination levels can cause cardiovascular and neurological disorders, cancers, immunosuppression, and autoimmunity.…”

“…17,23 Although the absorption of solid uranium species in the GI tract is relatively poor, the efficiency increases with the increased solubility. 2,24 On average, 1–5 μg of uranium are ingested daily through food and water consumption, whereas only 0.5–5% of the uranium ingested is usually absorbed. 2,25 Human daily doses are two to three times higher in contaminated areas such as those near mine sites.…”

“…2,24 On average, 1–5 μg of uranium are ingested daily through food and water consumption, whereas only 0.5–5% of the uranium ingested is usually absorbed. 2,25 Human daily doses are two to three times higher in contaminated areas such as those near mine sites. 2 In the current study, the leaching capacity of uranium from inhaled dust that may be cleared to the gastrointestinal tract is investigated using two different simulated gastrointestinal fluids.…”

“…2,25 Human daily doses are two to three times higher in contaminated areas such as those near mine sites. 2 In the current study, the leaching capacity of uranium from inhaled dust that may be cleared to the gastrointestinal tract is investigated using two different simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The two fluids are simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF).…”

“…However, uranium entering the digestive tract can damage the kidneys, causing toxicity. 2,27 A recent study reported that exposure to dissolved uranium through the GI tract causes significant immunotoxicity among male and female mice. 3 Another study concluded that the absorption of uranium by the digestive tract does not significantly influence the chemical speciation of dissolved uranium.…”