Intakes - DOE-HDBK-1145-2001

Radiological Safety Training for Plutonium Facilities

DOEHDBK11452001

Instructor's Guide

2. Injection (through wounds)

Although inhalation is the most common mode

of intake, injection through wounds can be very

hazardous. In these cases, large amounts of

radioactive or toxic material could be deposited

directly into the body and then absorbed into

the bloodstream.

3. Ingestion (eating or drinking)

Ingestion through eating or drinking is very rare

and usually only happens when there is

contamination around the nose or mouth.

Depending on the chemical composition, up to

99.9% of the plutonium can pass through the

body and be eliminated.

4. Absorption (skin contact)

Absorption is extremely rare and is not a real

concern except when using plutonium

hexafluoride or acidic solutions that may contact

and burn the skin.

B. Intakes

Show OT 21.

Although operations are planned and

precautions are taken to avoid any significant

intake of radioactive materials, the possibility of an

intake always exists. When plutonium gets into the

body, it will be distributed to various organs,

depending on its physical and chemical makeup.

Particles that are inhaled and deposited in the

lungs may stay there for years. During this time,

they could be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream

(as is the case with insoluble plutonium oxide).

Soluble plutonium is absorbed into the bloodstream

much more rapidly.