36
PLUTONIUM
3. HEALTH EFFECTS
pneumonitis was noted as early as 14 months postexposure (DOE 1988b). Radiation pneumonitis was the
primary cause of early deaths. Lung tumors and bone tumors were the primary causes of death among
dogs that either did not develop radiation pneumonitis or survived the condition (Park et al. 1995).
Exposure of Other Laboratory Animal Species.
Decreased survival has been observed in rats
exposed to
239
PuO
2
(Lundgren et al. 1995; Métivier et al. 1986; Oghiso and Yamada 2003a; Oghiso et al. 1994b,
1998; Sanders and Lundgren 1995; Sanders et al. 1976, 1988a, 1988b, 1993b), mice (Lundgren et al.
1987), hamsters (Lundgren et al. 1983; Sanders 1977), and baboons (Metivier et al. 1974, 1978b). In
these animal species, death was usually caused by radiation pneumonitis accompanied by edema, fibrosis,
and other signs of respiratory damage. Three Cynomolgus monkeys died at 155, 188, and 718 days,
respectively, after aerosol exposure to
239
Pu(NO
3
)
4
at levels projected to produce an initial total lung
burden of 40 kBq (1.1 µCi); each was diagnosed with radiation pneumonitis (Brooks et al. 1992).
The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for deaths in each species and duration
category are recorded in Table 3-3.
All reliable LOAEL values for death in dogs and nonhuman primates exposed to aerosols of plutonium
are recorded in Table 3-3 and plotted in Figure 3-1.
3.2.1.2 Systemic Effects
No studies were located regarding dermal/ocular effects in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to
plutonium.
Respiratory Effects.
Epidemiological Studies in Humans.
Possible associations between exposure to plutonium and
respiratory tract disease have been examined in studies of workers at U.S. plutonium production and/or
processing facilities (Hanford, Los Alamos, Rocky Flats), as well as facilities in Russia (Mayak) and the
United Kingdom (e.g., Sellafield). The most recent findings from these studies are summarized in
Table 3-2. Study outcomes for mortality from lung or respiratory tract disease (e.g.,
cancer and other
causes) are described in Section 3.2.1.1 (Brown et al. 2004; Carpenter et al. 1998; Gilbert et al. 1989b,
2004; Jacob et al. 2005; Kreisheimer et al. 2003; McGeoghegan et al. 2003; Omar et al. 1999; Wiggs et
al. 1994; Wing et al. 2004). Collectively, these studies have not found statistically significant
Table 3-3 Levels of Significant Exposure to Plutonium - Inhalation
(continued)
a
Key to
Figure
Species
(Strain)
Exposure/
Duration/
Frequency
(Route)
System
NOAEL
(kBq/kg)
Less Serious
(kBq/kg)
LOAEL
Serious
(kBq/kg)
Reference
Chemical Form
Comments
8
Dog
(Beagle)
once
1.02
(decreased survival at 9
years; 55%
compared to
90% in controls)
Park et al. 1995
239Pu(NO3)4
Group median ILB.
9
Dog
(Beagle)
once
10-30 min
1
(significantly decreased
survival)
Park et al. 1997
238PuO2
Group mean ILB.
Systemic
10
Monkey
(Cynomolgus)
once
Resp
1.9 M
4.8 M (pulmonary lesions
consisting
of interstitial
fibrosis and alveolar
epithelial proliferation)
Brooks et al. 1992
239Pu(NO3)4
Hemato
19 M
11
Dog
(Beagle)
once
Hemato
1.02
5.91
(significantly decreased
lymphocyte, neutrophil,
total leukocyte counts)
DOE 1988b
239Pu(NO3)4
Group mean ILB.
PLUTONIUM
3. HEALTH EFFECTS
38
