Plutonium production and particles incorporation into the human body

• Published in: Journal of environmental radioactivity 2020-01, Vol.211 (C), p.106073, Article 106073
• Main Authors: Romanov, S.A., Efimov, А.V., Aladova, Е.Е., Suslova, К.G., Kuznetsova, I.S., Sokolova, А.В., Khokhryakov, V.V., Sypko, S.A., Ishunina, M.V., Khokhryakov, V.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Contamination; Environmental monitoring; Human Body; Humans; Internal exposure; Nuclear weapon; Occupational Exposure; Particle transport; Plutonium - analysis; Plutonium intake; Radiation Monitoring; Radiation protection; Radiation-related effects; Russia; USSR
• ISSN: 0265-931X; 1879-1700
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106073

Plutonium is one of the most toxic radioactive substances known. The isotope 239Pu gained attention when it had become known as a potential explosive material for atomic bombs. This paper describes the main problems encountered during the early years of operation of the first plutonium production plant in the former Soviet Union, the Mayak Production Association (Mayak PA). Mayak PA caused severe radioactive contamination of the environment and exposure personnel and population living in the vicinity areas to high radiation doses. The authors focus on key findings of large-scale studies on the internal dosimetry of workers for use in assessment of radiological risks from exposure to plutonium. This work presents an overview of the important issues for inhalation dose assessments such as generation of plutonium particles, plutonium intake, dissolution of plutonium particles, distribution of plutonium in humans, related exposures and health effects. Understanding the relationship between health effects, radiation dose and route of exposure helps quantify the health risks associated with occupational exposure in the nuclear industry and validate the radiation protection standards used in the Russian Federation and worldwide. •The first Soviet plutonium production facility as the the source of plutonium intake in workers and releases in the environment.•Autopsy program for the studying of plutonium metabolism in the human body to improve the biokinetic models for assessing dose from plutonium intakes.•Classification of industrial plutonium aerosols enables to predict the biological behavior of plutonium compounds in the respiratory tract.•Health effects as the consequence of pulmonary deposition of large amounts of plutonium particles.•Results of the environmental radiation monitoring show the significant improvement in the radiation situation at present time.