Cesium-137 in humans: a relationship to milk 137 Cs content
Lloyd, R.D.; Pendleton, R.C.; Clark, D.O.; Mays, C.W.; Goates, G.B.
Health Physics 24(1): 23-36
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-9078 PMID: 4739161 Document Number: 68257
From 1962 to 1966 the body burdens of 137Cs and of K were measured in residents of 19 Utah dairy farms by total-body counting. Samples of milk were taken from the farms each month and 137Cs and K were measured by gamma -spectrometry. The biological half-life of 137Cs was from 19 plus or minus 8 days for infants to 105 plus or minus 25 days for men, compared with a physical half-life of 30 years.The results were analysed in terms of the relation pCi 137Cs/g K in the subjects and in their milk supply and a mathematical model was developed relating the two values. Subsequent use of this model in subjects in 9 cities in North America showed it to be generally applicable and it is suggested that the model could be of use in estimating 137Cs body burdens after nuclear testing which resulted in contamination of milk.