Experimental Study of Respiratory Contamination by a Mixed Oxide Aerosol Formed From the Combustion of a Plutonium Magnesium Alloy

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Abstract
Pu aerosol was produced by arc ignition of Pu-Mg alloy (atomic ratio, 1:66). Respirable fraction (CMD [count mean diameter] = 0.33 .mu.m) consisted of aggregates of fine particles (CMD = 0.04 .mu.m). One day after inhalation by rats, a quick deposition of Pu was observed in skeleton (2% inhaled burden) which rose to 8% the 30th day after inhalation. At the same time liver burdens were always 2-3 times lower than skeletal burdens. Pu particles obtained after ignition at high temperature of Pu-Mg alloy could be classified as W compounds although a noticeable fraction of the inhaled burden behaves as Y compounds according to ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection) Task Group on Lung Model. DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) treatment efficiency was greater than after 239PuO2 inhalation and was time dependent. Early injection modified significantly transportable fraction.