Introducing UNIKORNES - (United Kingdom Occupational Radionuclide Exposure Study)

'Full Text:' Post-mortem studios on occupationally exposed workers represent a major potential source of information for the development of improved metabolic models for use in radiological protection dosimetry. They are particularly valuable in the context of exposure to material such as plutonium and uranium, which are widely encountered in the nuclear industry, and for which in vivo monitoring possibilities are limited given the lack of sufficiently energetic photon emissions. Within the UK an initiative has now been taken to set up a joint industry programme of post-mortem studies to investigate the deposition patterns of radionuclides in occupationally exposed persons. Partners in the joint programme are currently BNFL, NRPB, AEA Technology and MoD. It is intended to maintain close links with the USTR and USUR programmes and with any future developments that may arise lit Europe. The timing of this initiative is important. As radiological protection practices have developed over the years the frequency of occurrence and severity of events leading to internal contamination has decreased. There is, therefore, a dwindling population of cases believed to have sustained levels of internal contamination which would constitute the most useful' cases for post-mortem investigation. The window of opportunity is ever closing. This paper outlines the objectives of the studies proposed and describes progress to date in setting up the project. The philosophy of approach is discussed along with the particular problem areas which must he addressed in setting up and managing a study of this nature. (author)