Carcinogenicity of Embedded Tungsten Alloys in Mice
Abstract
A variety of tungsten alloys and other unusual metals have begun to enter U.S. military arsenals as substitutes for depleted uranium (DU) in munitions. There are questions about the health effects of exposure to the tungsten alloys that are similar to those originally surrounding DU especially for embedded shrapnel exposures. The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) recently performed research that showed one of the militarily promising tungsten alloys to be a potent carcinogen when implanted in rats. The need to confirm the carcinogenicity of such alloys in another rodent species is an important second step required in biological as well as regulatory terms to better assess the cancer risk in humans. Results of this work will help in formulating policies for military surgeons who must treat personnel wounded by fragments of the alloys. Indications of unacceptable risks of exposure will also he Ip determine the advisability of deploying (or developing) similar munitions. Planned timelines for the first year of the project have been disrupted when unanticipated difficulties procuring the custom pellets required for implantation were encountered including added costs and metallurgical problems associated with the manufacture of pellets. Pellet deliveries are now expected early within the second year of the project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470600
Entities
People
- David E. Mcclain
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine