Problems of radiobiology of americium 241

The regularities in the distribution of kinetics of exchange and biological action of americium-241 are analyzed on the basis of original and published data. Different paths of entry of americium 241 into the organism are considered, namely penetration through the lungs and skin, sucking in from the gastrointestinal tract, from the subcutaneous cellular tissue, and from the muscular tissue. The peculiarities of the course of radiation damage are discussed in relation to the amount of the substance introduced and the dose accumulated in the organs and tissues of an animal. Tumorous and nontumorous forms of long-term effects are described. Much attention is given to the effect of low doses of a radionuclide. Principles of transfer of experimental data from animals to man are discussed. Recommendations are given as to the permissible content of transuranic elements in the human organism in water and in the air of industrial premises