A multi-collector ICP-MS method for quantification of plutonium, uranium, and americium in hair and nails of occupationally or medically exposed individuals

The 239Pu, 238U, and 241Am concentrations and 239Pu/240Pu,235U/238U, and 236U/238U atom ratios were measured in the hair and nail samples using a new method utilized TEVA, UTEVA, and DGA extraction chromatography and multi-collector ICP-MS. Samples were collected from individuals who donated their bodies to the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries. The concentration of 239Pu ranged from 0.22 to 15.8 ng/kg. The 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratios ranged from 0.026 to 0.127 which is consistent with weapons-grade plutonium. Concentration of uranium fell between 1.84 mu g/kg and 29.5 mu g/kg and 235U/238U ratios ranged from 4.8 x 10-3 to 7.6 x 10-3. Elevated 236U/238U atom ratios were measured in two cases and ranged from 5.0 x 10-6 - 2.4 x 10- 5 indicating exposure to spent or reprocessed uranium material. The concentration of 241Am was measured in four hair samples and ranged from 0.02 to 0.21 ng/kg.