Relevance of ICRP metabolic model of Th in bio-assay monitoring

This paper compares the urinary excretion levels of Th obtained in bio-assay monitoring using the neutron activation technique with those predicted by applying the ICRP metabolic model to the measured Th activity in chest and total body of a group of Thorium plant workers. The results indicated much lower urinary Th excretion as compared to what was expected on the basis of the ICRP model. Lower urinary excretion in occupational subjects is explained in terms of negligible contribution of skeleton and soft tissue to the activity excreted in urine. It is suggested that the existing model should be modified to enable it to be applicable to the bio-assay monitoring of occupational workers. (author) 19 refs.; 2 figs.; 3 tabs