THE RELATIVE RETENTION OF STRONTIUM AND CALCIUM IN BONE TISSUE

Abstract

Samples of human rib, milk, vegetables, and dairy cattle feed were collected from five regions in the United States. These samples were analyzed for strontium and calcium by emission spectrographic teehniques. A retention factor between cows' milk and the feed used to produce this milk was determined to be 0.13 plus or minus 0.03. A human bone retention factor of 0.18 plus or minus 0.05 was determined by comparing the strontiumcalcium ratio observed for the human rib samples and the ratio estimated for the respective diets. The application of these values to the determination of the maximal radiostrontium level in human bone to be expected from the present level of fall-out contamination is discussed. (auth)