Distribution of plutonium and americium in occupationally exposed humans as found from autopsy samples

Nineteen cases are discussed where tissues were obtained from autopsy and analyzed radiochemically for plutonium and americium. Distribution patterns varied greatly from case to case, depending on: the mode of entry, the chemical form, the length of time since exposure, and perhaps many other parameters as well. A typical distribution was not found, but on the average the lung and tracheal-bronchial lymph nodes had the highest concentration of material followed by the liver, the bones and finally the other tissues.