Analysis of metabolic data for plutonium from an occupational exposure

A worker received an intake of Pu-239 by wound uptake and inhalation. The estimated initial plutonium contamination in the wound was about 10(7) Bq. Necessary medical treatment including surgical excision and decorporation of the radionuclide with CaNa3-DTPA was carried out to decrease the dose, so that the bioassay data, especially the daily urinary excretion, became more complicated. For estimating the intake, a series of measurements including wound counting, lung counting and bioassay were carried out. For dosimetric purposes, follow-up has been continued for ten years after intake to obtain the metabolic data. The observed urinary excretion during these years showed some differences from other reported results. The observed metabolic data, data analysis and its results are described. The comparisons of these results with other reported data, including those recommended by ICRP are also presented.