Radionuclides are commonly dissolved in acid and become highly soluble.
May be treated with chelating agents such as Calcium-dieethylenetriamine penaaacetic acid (Ca-DTPA) and Magnesium DTPA (Mg-DTPA). It is most effective when givin within 1hr of exposure.
The target organ for plutonium is the skeleton. Skeletal half-life is 100 years.
Important fission products which have short half-lives.
Usually I(125) and I(131) are most commonly encountered.
The target tissue is the thyroid. Radiation stable Iodine given 1 hour prior to exposure will block the receptor sites and prevent uptake. There may be some effect to giving radiation stable Iodine even 3-4 hours after exposure.
Note that in the case of Reactor release or fallout, giving Iodine later may be beneficial if given before skin contact occurs.
If Iodine is given, Potassium Iodide (KI) is given at 300mg daily for 7-14 days.
Dermal application of poviodine-iodine has been very effective in animals.
One of the two common substrates for fission process.
Common raw material; occupational exposure is common.
Rapidly removed into tissures from the blood: 25% remains in 5 min; 5% at 24 hours; 0.5% at 100 hours.
The major toxicity is renal (renal tubular acidosis).
There is no know chelating agent, however, alkalinization of the urine to a pH of 7.5 - 8.0 may be helpful. Potassium augmentation may also be helpful
The primary substrate for fusion reactions.
Also component of watch dials, exit signs, and rifle scopes.
Occupational exposure is common
Weak beta emittor. Half life is short.
Usually seen in the water form.
Treatment involves increasing the turnover of free water by increasing water uptake to 3-4 litres per day.
Used in teletherapy and other radiation devices.
Cs(137) is an importan biproduct of nuclear fission.
Cs is a potassium analog, and will distribute along the same body tissues as potassium. Muscle is the primary target.
Eliminated quickly. 10% will have a half-life of 2d, the remaining 90% has a half-life of 100 days.
Insoluble Prussian Blue may be given to enhance elimination, the antidote is not absorbed but rather binds to Cs which is excreted by the bilary tract. Give 10 grams per day in divided doses.
Located in smoke detectors
Highly insoluable.
May not be dangerous if swalled whole.