May 2, 2024
Journal Article
A multi-collector ICP-MS method for quantification of plutonium, uranium, and americium in hair and nails of occupationally or medically exposed individuals
Abstract
The 239Pu, 238U, and 241Am concentrations and 239Pu/240Pu, 235U/238U, and 236U/238U atom ratios were measured in the hair and nail samples from individuals who donated their bodies to the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries. The concentration of 239Pu ranged from 0.22–15.8 ng/kg. The 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratios ranged from 0.026 to 0.127 which is consistent with weapons-grade plutonium. Concentration of uranium fell between 1.84 µg/kg and 29.5 µg/kg and 235U/238U ratios ranged from 4.8×10-3 to 7.6×10-3. Elevated 236U/238U atom ratios were measured in two cases and ranged from 5.0×10-6 – 2.4×10-5 indicating exposure to spent or reprocessed uranium material. The concentration of 241Am was measured in four hair samples and ranged from 0.02–0.21 ng/kg.Published: May 2, 2024