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Aerosol Science, Toxicology and Risk Analysis Accomplishments from the Lovelace Organization: 1960-2020
ROGER MCCLELLAN, Advisor
Abstract Number: 499
Working Group: Health-Related Aerosols
Abstract
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) In 1957 published an analysis of consequences of a major nuclear reactor accident. The estimated consequences were substantial raising concerns about the use of nuclear reactors to generate electricity. A major uncertainty in the analysis was lack of data on health risks of inhaled fission product radionuclides. To address this void the AEC in 1960 initiated a research program at the Lovelace Foundation in Albuquerque, NM. The first employee in the program was T. Mercer, a highly accomplished aerosol scientist. Mercer quickly developed the aerosol science base that continues to serve as a foundation for the Lovelace research program. In 1966, under my leadership, a strategic plan was developed to conduct a series of lifespan studies in Beagle dogs using beta-admitting radionuclides with varied physical half-lives (90Y, 91Y, 144Ce and 90Sr) in either soluble and the other insoluble. Later, the strategy was expanded to include 239Pu (used in nuclear weapons) and 238Pu (used in Space Nuclear Power Systems) as monodisperse aerosols. The design optimized the opportunity to understand the influences of dose, dose rates, radiation quality and time on dose–response relationships. In the 1970s, the Lovelace program was broadened to include research on emissions from diesel vehicles, combustion of fossil fuels and specific chemicals. A cornerstone of Lovelace research has been the use of a paradigm extending from Source of aerosols to Air concentrations to Personal Exposure to Dose to critical tissues to Disease outcome. Over its first half century of research the Lovelace organization became internationally recognized for its contributions to understanding and control of airborne materials. Many Lovelace scientists have been recognized for their extraordinary achievements. Four have been recognized as AAAR fellows. This presentation will review major accomplishments of the Lovelace program over the first half century of operation.