Decorporation of actinides: a review of recent research

This paper reports progress on some of the research priorities identified in the Guidebook for the Treatment of Accidental Contamination of Workers published in 1992. It concludes: that the oral administration of DTPA could be an effective procedure for plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am) inhaled as nitrates; that 3,4,3-LI (1,2-HOPO) is the most effective siderophore analogue yet tested for the decorporation of these actinides, and thorium (Th); and that for thorium the efficacy of treatment will be strongly dependent on the radionuclide, and hence mass, likely to be incorporated under different exposure scenarios. No effective treatment regimens appear to be available for neptunium (Np) and uranium (U). (orig.)