Registry of Plutonium-induced Lung Fibrosis in a Russian Nuclear Worker Cohort

Health Phys. 2020 Feb;118(2):185-192. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001131.

Abstract

A registry of plutonium-induced lung fibrosis diagnosed in members of a cohort of the first Russian nuclear industry facility Mayak Production Association was established. The registry includes 188 plutonium-induced lung fibrosis diagnoses: 117 (62.23%) in males and 71 (37.77%) in females. This paper describes the structure and detailed characteristics of the registry. Plutonium-induced lung fibrosis was shown to have no association with cumulative lung absorbed dose from external gamma rays as of the date of diagnosis. On the contrary, the plutonium-induced lung fibrosis rate was shown to be associated with cumulative lung absorbed dose from incorporated alpha particles and to increase significantly with increasing dose from internal radiation exposure. This paper discusses potential applications of the registry to scientific investigations in the future.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / radiation effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Reactors*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Plutonium / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / epidemiology*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / etiology
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Registries*
  • Russia

Substances

  • Plutonium