Polonium-210 in Bronchial Epithelium of Cigarette Smokers

Analyses of smokers pulmonary tissues that showed "hot spots" of 210-polonium at segmental bifurcations of bronchial epithelium (4.5 pc/g of wet tissue vs. .12 in the trachea 119 in the lobar bronchi and .004 in the bronchial wall and submucosa) are 100 times higher than some recently reported radiation dose estimates for these areas. However the results of the different studies are compatible when the type and quality of tissues used are taken into consideration. It is emphasized that bronchial epithelium samples deteriorate rapidly after death so they should be obtained quickly. As the concentration of 210-polonium is so much greater at these hot spots than in the bronchial wall and submucosa estimates of radiation dose should be based just on the measured concentrations in the bifurcations.