Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Article
  • Published:

Quantitative assessment of carcinogenic risks associated with ‘hot particles’

Abstract

We have examined the hot particle problem in terms of the number of irradiated cells and the doses to which they are subjected, assuming both linear and nonlinear dose-response functions typical of those reported in the radiobiological literature. We assess the risk associated with point sources of α, β and γ activity compared with uniform irradiation, as well as the effects of fractionation of a single particle, and the change in risk if the particle moves. Finally, although the biological data are insufficient for firm estimates, we have tentatively attributed absolute carcinogenic risks in these various situations.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Recommendations of the ICRP, Publication 9, paras 28, 29 (Pergamon, Oxford, 1966).

  2. Tamplin, A. R., Cochran, T. B., Radiation Standards for Hot Particles (Natural Resources Defence Council, Washington, DC, 1974).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Lovins, A. B., and Patterson, W. C., Nature, 254, 278 (1975).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. The Toxicity of Plutonium, (MRC, HMSO, 1975).

  5. Bair, W. J., Richmond, C. R., and Wachholz, B. W., A Radiological Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Radiation Dose from Inhaled Plutonium (WASH 1320 1974).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Mayneord, W. V., and Clarke, R. H., Brit. J. Rad., Supplement 12 (1975).

  7. UNSCEAR Ionising Radiation: Levels and Effects, II, (UN, New York, E72.1X.18, 1972).

  8. Mole, R. H., Br. med. Bull., 29, 1, 78–83 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Cross, W. G., Tables of β-dose Distributions, (AECL-2793 1967).

  10. Rossi, H. H., and Kellerer, A. M., Science, 175, 200–202 (1971).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bair, W. J., Kellerer, A. M., Stannard, J. N., and Thompson, R. C., Alpha Emitting Particles in the Lung, NCRP, 531–534 (1976).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Spiers, F. W., and Vaughan, J. M., Nature, 259, 531–534 (1976).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Pochin, E. E., Encyclopaedia of Medical Radiology, II, 341–355 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mayneord, W., Clarke, R. Quantitative assessment of carcinogenic risks associated with ‘hot particles’. Nature 259, 535–539 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259535a0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259535a0

This article is cited by

Comments

By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.

Search

Quick links

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing