A multi-collector ICP-MS method for quantification of plutonium, uranium, and americium in hair and nails of occupationally or medically exposed individuals.

The ²³⁹ Pu, ²³⁸ U, and ²⁴¹ Am concentrations and ²³⁹ Pu/ ²⁴⁰ Pu, ²³⁵ U/ ²³⁸ U, and ²³⁶ U/ ²³⁸ U atom ratios were measured in the hair and nail samples using a new method utilized TEVA, UTEVA, and DGA extraction chromatography and multi-collector ICP-MS. Samples were collected from individuals who donated their bodies to the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries. The concentration of ²³⁹ Pu ranged from 0.22 to 15.8 ng/kg. The ²⁴⁰ Pu/ ²³⁹ Pu isotopic ratios ranged from 0.026 to 0.127 which is consistent with weapons-grade plutonium. Concentration of uranium fell between 1.84 μg/kg and 29.5 μg/kg and ²³⁵ U/ ²³⁸ U ratios ranged from 4.8 × 10 ^-3 to 7.6 × 10 ^-3 . Elevated ²³⁶ U/ ²³⁸ U atom ratios were measured in two cases and ranged from 5.0 × 10 ^-6 - 2.4 × 10 ^-5 indicating exposure to spent or reprocessed uranium material. The concentration of ²⁴¹ Am was measured in four hair samples and ranged from 0.02 to 0.21 ng/kg.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:John D. Brockman reports was provided by University of Missouri. John D. Brockman reports a relationship with University of Missouri that includes: employment.
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