Carcinogenesis of Depleted Uranium Fragments
Abstract
This study determined the carcinogenicity of depleted uranium DU(Ti) fragments in muscles of rats. Implants of DU(Ti) were compared to implants of tantalum (Ta), as a foreign-body control, and to injections of radioactive Thorotrast(R), a colloid of thorium dioxide, as a radioactive control. The test metals, in four squares (2.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 mm or 5.0 x 5.0 x 1.5 mm) or pellets (2.0 x 1.0 mm diam.) were implanted in the muscles of male rats. Neither the type nor size of the implants affected survival. A fibrous capsule developed around the implanted metals, but not the injected Thorotrast(R). Soft tissue sarcomas arose from some of the capsules and eroded the DU(Ti) implants. The erosion, noted radiographically, may be a diagnostically useful finding. The incidence of tumors was significantly increased in rats implanted with the largest DU(Ti) squares or injected with Thorotrast(R) when compared with Ta implants. These results in rats indicate that DU(Ti) fragments of sufficient size cause a local tissue reaction and can cause local sarcomas. The results do not indicate that DU(Ti) fragments are necessarily carcinogenic in humans. Individuals with large embedded DU(Ti) fragments, however, should be monitored carefully.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADB272457
Entities
People
- Fletcher F. Hahn
Organizations
- United States Department of Energy