An example of situational radiological analysis: An incident with polonium-210

Data on the nuclear physical, chemical, and radiobiological characteristics of polonium-210 are generalized. The characteristics of the radionuclide intake by the human body, its transport, and deposition in different organs are considered. The formation of the α radiation dose has been analyzed using RBE = 3 for deterministic effects in terms of formal dosimetry of incorporated radionuclides. Radiological analysis of a case of polonium-210 poisoning in London has been performed. The activity of the radionuclide at which it is lethal upon a single peroral administration has been evaluated (0.012–0.36 GBq), and the formal possibility of detecting a carrier of polonium-210 on the basis of data on excreta and γ radiation measured using a whole-body counter (WBC).