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| Radiological Safety Training for Plutonium Facilities
DOEHDBK11452001
Student'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
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.
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