Validation and verification of the ICRP biokinetic model of 32P: the criticality accident at Tokai-Mura, Japan

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2003;105(1-4):199-208. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006223.

Abstract

Regrettably, a criticality accident occurred at a uranium conversion facility in Tokai-mura, Ibaraki, Japan, on 30 September 1999. Radioactivities of 32P in urine, blood and bone samples of the victims, who were severely exposed to neutrons, were measured. 32P was induced in their whole bodies at the moment of the first nuclear release by the reaction 31P (n, gamma) 32P and 32S (n, p) 32P. A realistic biokinetic model was assumed, as the exchange of 32P between the extracellular fluid compartment and the soft tissue compartment occurs only through the intracellular compartment, and the model was used for preliminary calculations. Some acute excretion of 32P, caused by decomposition or elution of tissues which occurred at the time of the accident, may have happened in the victims' bodies in the first few days. The working hypotheses in the present work should initiate renewed discussion of 32P biokinetics.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Cadaver
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • International Cooperation
  • Japan
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate
  • Models, Biological*
  • Neutrons
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Phosphorus Radioisotopes / blood*
  • Phosphorus Radioisotopes / pharmacokinetics
  • Phosphorus Radioisotopes / urine*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radioactive Hazard Release*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Radiometry / standards
  • Ruthenium Radioisotopes
  • Societies, Scientific

Substances

  • Phosphorus Radioisotopes
  • Ruthenium Radioisotopes