Specific Absorption Parameters for Uranium Octoxide and Dioxide: Comparison of Values Derived from Human Data and Those Predicted from Animal Studies

The biokinetics of U 3 O 8 and UO 2 in workers and rats has been investigated in the light of the human respiratory tract model and systemic model for uranium published by ICRP. It is concluded that the default absorption parameters for Type M and S are inadequate for predicting the observed urinary excretion of uranium in workers; the uranium contents of the respiratory tract and committed effective doses would be overestimated from bioassay measurements if Type S absorption parameters are assumed; the urinary excretion data are not greatly influenced by the use of other systemic models; and the absorption parameters derived from human data and animal studies are in good agreement.