Bio-Assay and Body Counter Results for the First Years Following an Acute Plutonium Exposure

An accident occurred at the Rocky Flats plant on 12 June 1964, in which an employee was exposed to plutonium. The accident resulted from an explosive reaction between hot plutonium metal and carbon tetrachloride. Debris from the explosion struck the employee in the left hand causing severe injury to the thumb and second finger. There were about 144 μCi of plutonium embedded in the wounds. Surgery has been performed on the hand 4 times since the accident. After the fourth surgical procedure 6/10 μCi of plutonium remained. DTPA treatments have been given to the employee in various amounts and schedules since the accident. These treatments were largely responsible for the elimination of 8 μCi of plutonium via the urine. In vivo measurements of plutonium in the hand, lung, liver and skull have been made periodically using the Rocky Flats body counter.