Dose patterns of 106RuO4 inhaled by the Beagle dog

Radioruthenium tetroxide is a possible hazard to man because of its energetic beta emissions and high potential for release to the atmosphere as a result of nuclear accidents involving fission products. This study was done to develop information useful in predicting the consequences for man exposed to 106RuO4. Data for deposition and retention patterns, excreta contents of 106Ru after inhalation exposure and tissue contents of 106Ru were determined to 512 days after inhalation exposure in Beagle dogs. Ninety-nine percent of the initial body burden of 106Ru was rapidly cleared, with an effective half-time of 1.2 days; 0.7 and 0.3% were cleared with half-times of 14 and 170 days, respectively. Most of the 106Ru ws initially associated with the upper respiratory tract. Organs and tissues at greatest risk from this exposure were turbinates, lung and liver. Gastrointestinal absorption of ingested 106RuO2 was less than 0.3%. Data are being used to model radiation dose patterns for man exposed to this material