Toxicity of inhaled alpha-emitting radionuclides: an experimental approach

A series of interrelated dose-response studies in which Beagle dogs and rodents are being exposed to aerosols of transuranic alpha-emitting radionuclides is described. The characteristics of monodisperse aerosols of oxides of 239Pu, 238Pu, 241Am, 244Cm and 242Cm are discussed for use in studies to determine the relative importance of the resulting biological effects of such factors as the local dose around particles, specific activity, particle size and number of particles inhaled (the hot particle question). Other factors such as the elemental characteristics, the chemical form of the material and the age of the animal at the time of inhalation, which may influence the toxicity of these radionuclides, are also being studied. The purpose of the studies is to determine the basic relationships between the radiation dose pattern and resulting biological effects