Publicatie Laka-bibliotheek:
Estimated production of human lung cancers by plutonium from worldwide fallout
Auteur | J.Gofman |
6-01-4-50-09.pdf | |
Datum | juli 1975 |
Classificatie | 6.01.4.50/09 (STRALING - GEVOLGEN - KERNPROEVEN) |
Voorkant |
Uit de publicatie:
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.