ERYTHEMA EFFECTS OF A PURE BETA-EMITTER (STRONTIUM-90) ON HUMAN SKIN

[摘要] The clinical biologic effects produced by strontium 90 beta radiation in 19 subjects are recorded and evaluated. A Sr90 source in the form of a plaque was used with 2 adaptors designed to give different source-skin distances. One permitted a source-skin distance of 9.5 mm (applicator A) and the other of 3.2 mm (applicator B). Two waves of erythema were observed in most instances following exposure. A first wave appeared in 1 to 5 days. This was followed by a subsequent wave which appeared in 32 to 59 days with applicator B as compared to 58 to 73 days for applicator A. In order to produce an erythematous response in 80% of the subjects tested, approximately 600 rad were required for the Sr90 applicator A; approximately 1000 rad were required for the Sr9O applicator B. The observations suggest that the biologic effects of Sr90 beta radiation may be a function of depth dose the greater the source-skin distance, the greater the depth dose and therefore the greater the biologic effects. The just perceptible erythema is defined and a speculation concerning its production is offered. Additional observations of clinical biologic reactions are recorded and discussed.