DETERMINATION OF THORIUM AND URANIUM IN FECAL MATERIAL FROM OCCUPATIONALLY-EXPOSED WORKERS USING ICP-MS

The determination of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in faecal material h as been undertaken using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analytical precision of 5% (RSD) was considered acceptable f or analysis and gave a limit of detection for Th and U of 15 and 3 ng/ g faeces, respectively. Both accumulation and depuration can be observ ed in faecal material as workers are exposed to and removed from monaz ite inhalation. The ratio of Th to U in faecal material increases when workers are occupationally exposed to monazite.