Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Techniques and Space Biodosimetry

• Published in: Radiation research Vol. 148; no. 5; pp. S51 - S59
• Main Authors: Haskell, E. H., Hayes, R. B., Kenner, G. H., Sholom, S. V., Chumak, V. I.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Brook, Il Radiation Research Society 01-11-1997
• Subjects: Aerospace Medicine; Astronauts; Biological and medical sciences; Biophysical Phenomena; Biophysics; Biosensors; Biotechnology; Bones; Dental Enamel; Dentin; Dose response relationship; Dosimetry; Electron paramagnetic resonance; Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Grain size; Humans; Magnetic fields; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Microwaves; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Monitoring - methods; Retrospective Studies; Space Flight; Spectrum Analysis; Teeth; Tooth enamel; Various methods and equipments; X-Rays; Human; Sensitivity analysis; System response; Device; EPR spectrometry; Space flight; Risk analysis; Cumulated dose; In vitro; In vivo; Radiation injury; Biological dosimeter; Tooth; Technique; Reliability; Interplanetary space
• ISSN: 0033-7587; 1938-5404
• DOI: 10.2307/3579717

This paper was presented at a workshop addressing the potential of biodosimetry techniques for use in the interplanetary space program. Some of the concerns for adequate dosimetry in space include: (1) a dosimeter that provides a permanent record of the cumulative dose and can be read independently on return to Earth; (2) a dosimeter which cannot be lost, forgotten or inadvertently removed by an individual; and (3) appropriate assessments of radiation exposures that pose an acute health risk and could jeopardize the success of an interplanetary mission. Tooth enamel is a permanent, stable biological dosimeter showing great promise in retrospective dosimetry of radiation accidents. With a proper technique, the minimum detectable dose can be in the range of tens of milligrays in extracted, prepared teeth. In addition to transient accidental doses, the cumulative dose from chronic low-level exposures (which individually may be below reportable limits) is recorded in the enamel of teeth. While many teeth remain with an individual over all or most of a lifetime, one or more are often removed due to dental problems and provide an opportunity to make dosimeteric measurements. The collection and analysis of extracted teeth in later life allows measurement of cumulative lifetime dose using the high-sensitivity techniques described in this paper. The goal of a lightweight, highsensitivity, in vivo EPR spectrometer has not yet been realized, but its benefit to all aspects of retrospective dosimetry, terrestrial or otherwise, would be great. This paper reviews the current status of EPR dosimetry of teeth as applied to retrospective measurements of accidental exposures and outlines future research directions which will further reduce the limits of detection.