Measurements of Cs Absorption and Retention in Man

Abstract

One of the consequences of the Chernobyl reactor accident in 1986 was a comparatively high contamination of foodstuffs in Southern Federal Republic of Germany. In order to test radioecological models predicting the radiological consequences of such accidents, several thousand measurements were performed to determine Cs body burdens in members of the public. For the interpretation of these data and as a contribution to the improvement of the available database on the biokinetics of Cs isotopes in humans, we followed a small group of volunteers after their consumption of highly contaminated venison. Intakes, excretion rates and total body activities were measured during a period of more than 200 d. The data obtained were evaluated in terms of a compartment model to derive gastrointestinal uptakes, biological half-lives and dose conversion factors. The resulting uptake factors range from 65-90%, the half-lives of the long-term retention from 45 to 200 d. The majority of the resulting dose conversion factors lie below the values recommended by the ICRP, showing that the ICRP model is a reasonable and safe description of the Cs biokinetics in our study group, while the great variability of the results shows that it is not an accurate representation of the individual Cs retention.

A Biokinetic Model for 137Cs

“…These results are in agreement with those described by Henrichs et al (1989) who published biological half-time values ranging from 45-210 d, with an average value of 90 ? 50 d in people.…”

“…Henrichs et al (1989) found an average value equal to 60 d (ranging from 48-86 d). Schwarz and Dunning (1982) reported an average value equal to 65 d (ranging from 30-141 d) but did not find a significant statistical correlation (JJ < 0.05) between biological half-time and body weight.…”

“…For the adult male, the average value of the biological half-time was 89 2 21 d (ranging from 66-141 d). Rundo (1964), Lloyd et al (1973), and Baverstock (1987) have published values of between 50 and 150 d. Henrichs et al (1989) observed an average value equal to 120 d (ranging from 70-210 d) for five males who consumed a meal of venison contaminated with 137Cs. Schwarz and Dunning (1982) found an average value equal to 96 d (ranging from 47-152 d), but did not find a significant statistical correlation (p < 0.05) between biological half-time in the retention of 137Cs and body weight.…”

Bioaccessibility of Fukushima‐Accident‐Derived Cs in Soils and the Contribution of Soil Ingestion to Radiation Doses in Children

“…It is generally accepted that Cs ingested as soluble Cs is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. Results from controlled studies on human subjects indicate that orally administered soluble 137 Cs is rapidly and almost completely absorbed . Furthermore, radioactive Cs in foodstuffs is equally available for absorption in humans and animals .…”

“…Previous studies (22,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40) have addressed the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of radioactive Cs in soils and dietary sources (Table IV). It is generally accepted that Cs ingested as soluble Cs is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals.…”