Analysis of Relation Between Lifetime Rates and Incorporation of Plutonium-239 in Atomic Production Workers Regarding Tumor and Non-Tumor Causes of Death

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of the study was in quantitative assessment of the effect of internal exposure to lifetime in Mayak PA workers based on analyzing dependence of certain lifetime rates on incorporation of plutonium-239 regarding tumor and non-tumor causes of death. Material and methods: The cohort of deceased Mayak PA workers employed in1948–1958 with known Pu-239 body burden comprising 2343 individuals, of them 1739 males and 604 females, was investigated. Using regression analysis we have assessed dependence of general lifetime and lifetime after start of work as well as of proportion of individuals who did not survive until standard age in general and after start of work from incorporated Pu-239 separately for workers of different age regarding tumor and non-tumor causes of death. Statistical values were defined using Statistica software. Results: It was stated that in case of increase of plutonium-239 body burden in males and females reliably increased shortening of lifetime and lifetime after start of work was observed as well as increased proportion of individuals who did not survive until standard lifetime rate and until standard lifetime after start of work. Reliable regression equations for dependence of the studied lifetime values from radionuclide incorporation rate were obtained based on regression analysis. Generally, changes in the studied characteristics of lifetime after start of work were more evident than in general lifetime characteristics. Conclusion: Reliable dependence of shortening of lifetime and lifetime after start of work, of increased proportion of individuals who did not survive until standard lifetime and lifetime after start of work among Mayak PA workers of different gender from incorporation of plutonium-239 regarding tumor and non-tumor causes of death was stated. Dependence of lifetime after start of work on incorporated plutonium-239 was higher than of general lifetime that could be probably due to direct contact of workers with radionuclide after start of work. The results obtained indicate feasibility of using not only general lifetime but also lifetime after start of work in assessment of lifetime among workers who are in contact with production hazardous factors.