The Reactions of 1 nm Particles of Plutonium-238 Dioxide and Curium-244 Dioxide with Lung Fluid

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Abstract
The reactions of 1 nm particles of 238Pu-PuO2 and 244Cm-CmO2 with rat lung fluid were studied in vitro and in vivo. The 238Pu particles were positively charged and combined by electrostatic attraction with the negative pulmonary surfactant which mediated the transfer of radioactivity to the blood. The 244Cm particles were negative and probably diffused passively through the alveolar walls. Electrostatic charge apparently is an important factor governing the reaction of 1 nm actinide oxide particles with macromolecules.