ABSTRACT
Radioactive isotopes of iodine rank among the factors of anthropogenic contamination of the biosphere. The review presents a radiation-hygienic survey of literary data and the author's own results of studies of the metabolism and biological effect of radioactive isotopes of iodine. The risk of their intake by human organism is evaluated. Particular attention is paid to 132-135I and 129I. Data on biological danger of these isotopes are scarce in the literature.
Subject(s)
Iodine Radioisotopes/adverse effects , Radiation Injuries/etiology , Radioactive Pollutants/adverse effects , Animals , Humans , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/etiology , Reproduction/radiation effects , Thyroid Gland/physiopathology , Thyroid Gland/radiation effects , Thyroid Neoplasms/etiologyABSTRACT
Radiocarbon (14C) introduced into the biosphere as a result of nuclear explosions and operation of nuclear power stations has upset the equilibrium existing in nature. The increase in 14C concentration in the biosphere is a problem of considerable hygienic and social importance, since 14C affects all living organism in the world. This paper presents data on 14C migration and metabolism kinetics. Radiocarbon metabolism kinetics depends on the form of the chemical compound metabolized. Inorganic 14C compounds are metabolized relatively fast. Organic 14C compounds (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) are retained longer in the body. Differences in the metabolism kinetics of differents 14C compounds lead to the formation of unequal irradiation doses in various organs and tissues. In establishing standards for admissible 14C intake, one should take into consideration the kind of chemical compound in which the element is incorporated.
Subject(s)
Carbon Radioisotopes/administration & dosage , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Bone Marrow/metabolism , Bone and Bones/metabolism , Carbon Radioisotopes/analysis , Dietary Carbohydrates/metabolism , Dietary Fats/metabolism , Dietary Proteins/metabolism , Half-Life , Humans , Kinetics , Oxidation-Reduction , SolubilityABSTRACT
Data on the mobility of radioactive products in biocoenoses are presented and the main routes of their migration are discussed. Data on radioactive contamination of food products of vegetable, animal and marine origin are mentioned. It has been demonstrated that technological processing of raw material and culinary preparation of food products results in a considerable reduction in their contamination. Data on the amounts of radioactive nuclides taken up by the human organism in consequence of local and global fallout of radioactive products are reported.