Prediction of 90Sr body burdens and radiation dose in Anaktuvuk Pass Alaska Eskimos due to fallout

Strontium-90 concentrations in skeletons of Eskimo residents of Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska during 1954-79 were predicted from two models based on (1) Sr kinetics in human bone and (2) estimated annual 90Sr ingestion rates via caribou meat. Predicted skeletal burdens of adult Eskimos gradually increased through 1961 and then rapidly achieved maximal values during 1964-66, reflecting fallout 90Sr levels in caribou meat which contributed 90-97% of dietary 90Sr intake. Concentrations of 90Sr in male Eskimo bone samples were similar using either model. Predicted values in vertebrae of adult Eskimo males were slightly lower than values reported in New York City adults until 1980 and subsequently declined by 9% per yr, while samples from adults in New York City and San Francisco declined by 6 and 5%, respectively. Predicted skeletal burdens in Anaktuvuk Pass residents born in 1954 and 1959 achieved maxima in 1971 and 1974, respectively; concentrations in children born in 1964 were still increasing in 1979 but had achieved a lower level than older age cohorts. Estimated radiation dose rates to adult skeletons during 1964-66 were 13-15 mrad/yr based on predicted vertebrae 90Sr concentrations. Those dose rates were <=1% of recommended ICRP limits for general populations. (author)