Cesium-137 in Japanese People and Diet Feb. 1960-May 1962

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the cesium-137 content in human musle, total diet and cereals collected in Japan during the period from February 1960 to May 1962. The simple methods of evaluation of mean levels in the human body are proposed which are based on the distribution studies on the common cesium irrespectively of potassium concentration or the cesium unit. The total body burden was estimated as 3.2'4.0 mμc for the period from August 1960 to January 1962 and it rose up to 7.6 mμc in March 1962 in correspondence with the increased fallout deposition rate in Autumn 1961. The daily intake of cesium-137 by Japanese people was 29 μμc, on average, for the period from August 1960 to August 1961 and increased to 50 μμc in February 1962. The contribution of cesium-137 by cereals to the total intake was estimated as approximately 40% for the period from November 1960 to November 1961 and it decreased to 32% in February 1962. The relative decrease was attributed to the increase in the daily intake, probably other than cereal, through leafy vegetables. © 1962, Journal of Radiation Research Editorial Committee. All rights reserved.