24/7 Emergency Contact Number: 1-888-295-5156
Revised: 04/2010
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RADIATION FROM PLUTONIUM (Pu)
(*Treatment also applies to yttrium, americium, curium and californium)
Agent Information:
Plutonium radioisotopes are a class of highly toxic and unstable
chemicals whose radioactivity is measured by the number of atoms
disintegrating per unit time. Plutonium radioisotopes emit radiation as
high-energy alpha particles, medium-energy gamma rays, x-rays and
beta particles. This ionizing radiation disrupts molecules in cells and
deposits energy in tissues, causing damage. Plutonium is used in
nuclear power and weapons reactors, and in some nuclear weapons.
Signs and Symptoms:
Exposure to ionizing radiation from Plutonium causes immediate or
delayed health effects. Observable effects occurring soon after receiving
very large doses include hair loss, skin burns, nausea, gastrointestinal
distress or death (Acute Radiation Syndrome). Long-term risks, including
increased cancer risk, are a function of the specific radioisotopes
involved; and depend on the route, magnitude and duration of exposure.
Route of Exposure:
Inhalation and ingestion are the most likely routes for internal
contamination from plutonium radioisotopes. Internal exposure continues
until the radioactive material is flushed from the body by natural
processes, or decays. Inhaled or ingested radionuclides are distributed
to different organs and remain there for days, months, or years until they
decay or are excreted. Once internalized, plutonium radioisotopes can
most significantly affect lung, bone and liver, as target organs.
Protective Measures:
Emergency medical care to save lives is the first priority. Effective patient
decontamination is important to limit the spread of radioactive materials
in the hospital, and to prevent exposure to other patients and staff.
Achieve dose reduction by limiting the time people are exposed, avoiding
direct contact, maintaining distance from the source, and using shielding
or respiratory protection to prevent ingesting or inhaling contamination.
Since deceased victims from a radiological event involving release of
airborne Plutonium radioisotopes could be contaminated both internally
and externally, they should be handled using reverse isolation.
Lab Samples Requested
CBC with absolute lymphocyte count. Repeat measurements for at least
for Evaluation:
48 hours.
Prophylaxis:
Appropriate PPE to avoid secondary contamination.
Treatment:
Supportive care and decontamination are indicated. Treatment to reduce
internal dose is indicated for known uptake of Plutonium, Yttrium and
other tranuranic radioisotopes such as americium, californium and
curium. Treatment is to administer Zinc-DTPA or Calcium-DTPA
(diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) to induce chelation, increase
elimination, and reduce radioisotope body burden. Expert guidance on
medical treatment is available from REAC/TS at:
1-865-576-1005 (24/7 coverage).
Reporting:
Immediately report suspect cases to the Division of Public Health,
Epidemiology Branch: 1-888-295-5156 (24/7 coverage).
Contact Information:
Call Delaware’s Division of Public Health: 1-888-295-5156. For more
information on forms of acute radiation syndrome, go to:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/arsphysicianfactsheet.asp
.