A review of the properties of plutonium, its biological effects, and its place in the nuclear fuel cycle

After a brief description of the sources of plutonium and its physical, chemical and radioactive characteristics, an attempt is made to describe quantitatively the biological effects of plutonium intake as they are currently understood by the organisations concerned with radiological protection. The conceptual basis of protection standards as put forward by ICRP has recently undergone a change; the idea of limiting dose to a critical organ has been superseded by that of limiting the overall risk of carcinogenic and genetic effects. Limits on plutonium intake are discussed in the light of both concepts. Finally the role of plutonium in the nuclear fuel cycle is described. (author)