NRPB - W42 Review of Autopsy, In Vivo and Bioassay Measurements on Members of the Public in the UK

Synopsis

A non-technical summary of this report is available.

This report reviews for the UK population experimental data on whole body or partial body monitoring, urine assay, the assay of teeth, autopsy and fetal data for members of the public who have not been exposed occupationally to radionuclides. Most attention has been devoted to artificial radionuclides formed in the nuclear fuel cycle, in particular isotopes of plutonium, americium, caesium, strontium and iodine. Studies concerning enhanced levels of polonium have been included. Measurements of uranium and thorium have also been addressed since they provide important baseline data for making judgements on public exposures as a consequence of accidental releases from nuclear or commercial facilities.

The report targets principally persons who live, or have lived, in the vicinity of nuclear sites. However, it also includes data from individuals resident in other parts of the UK, as well as measurements made in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident. When UK data are unavailable, information obtained from studies in other countries has been included.

All identified measurements made since 1957, the year of the Windscale accident, to the present day have been considered.

It is stressed that this report should be considered as a source document which has identified accessible publications. Hence, assessments of intake or dose have not been undertaken by the authors, nor reference made to publications where others may have done so.

Last reviewed: 4 August 2009