Study of therapeutical measures for reduction of internal contamination by radionuclides

The present work can be considered as a contribution to the professionals who may need quick information on the therapeutical measures, to be applied to internal contamination by radionuclides. The radionuclides handled at IPEN that can give rise to internal contamination in case of abnormal operation conditions were studied. The major radionuclides which could be released in the event of a nuclear reactor accident were also considered. For the selected radionuclides: U, Pu, Th, I, Sr and Cs, data have been reviewed by a detailed search in the literature. These data include: the chemical and physical properties, the metabolism and the toxicity of the radionuclides, as well as the drugs used to reduce the internal contamination. In order to compile a guide of therapeutical measures in case of internal contamination, a study of used drugs, its fate, side effects and dosages were also carried out. (author)