Publication Laka-library:
Estimated production of human lung cancers by plutonium from worldwide fallout

AuthorJ.Gofman
6-01-4-50-09.pdf
DateJuly 1975
Classification 6.01.4.50/09 (RADIATION - CONSEQUENCES NUCLEAR TESTS)
Front

From the publication:

Summary of Conclusions    
i.  Worldwide  fallout of plutonium-239  (and  other plutonium   
nuclides) from  past atmospheric weapons  tests  have produced  a  size-   
able,  and reasonably well estimated,  deposition  of plutonium in  the   
lungs  of  inhabitants  of the Northern  Hemisphere.    
2. Since the lung cancers expected  per  microgram  of plutonium  
inhaled are available  (Reference 1),  it is a straightforward  matter  
to estimate how  many  persons  have  been irreversibly  committed to  
develop plutonium-induced fatal  lung cancer.    
3.  Por  the USA  alone,  it is estimated  that  116,000  persons  
have  been  committed  to  plutonium- induced lung cancer.  In  the  entire  
Northern Hemisphere, the  total  number is #*~ 1,000,000  persons.   
th Since  the latent  period  is over for a  sizeable part of the 
plutonium  fallout  exposure,  many of these  estimated lung  cancer 
fatalities must be  occurring annually now. Probably in  the entire 
Northern  Hemisphere, of the order of  10,000 must be  dying  annually 
of  plutonium-indueced  lung cancer.   
5. Lung  cancers,  once induced,  do not identify themselves as 
to  cause. This is  the  reason  that  the absurd,  although common, 
statement  can  be  made that "cancers due  to plutonium  haven't  been 
observed",   
6.  The experience  of the small  groups of  Manhattan Project 
plutonium workers  or the Rocky Flats plutonium workers is totally 
consistent with  the expectations for plutonium-induced lung  cancer
presented here. By no means can these  groups  provide any comfort  what- 
ever for  those  hoping  for  a lesser carcinogenicity  of inhaled  plutonium.