Probability of bystander effect per mSv induced by α-particle radiation

Abstract

Radiation-induced bystander effect represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of the radiobiological effects of ionizing radiation in sense that they may also contribute to the final biological consequences of exposure to low doses of radiation. There exist the need to include the influence of the bystander effect in dosimetry of the human lung. The purpose of this work is to calculate the probability of bystander effect per one mSv, induced by α-particle radiation on sensitive cells of human lung. In this aim, a analytical model of cylinder bifurcation was created to simulate the geometry of human lung, with the distribution of cell in the airway wall of the tracheobronchial tree. This analytical model of the human tracheobronchial tree represents the extension of the ICRP66 model. Propagation of α-particle in human lung and airway tubes was simulated by Monte Carlo method. Calculations have been performed for the various source-target combinations. The results are given for two initial alpha particle energies (6 and 7.69 MeV) and two existing sources (fast and slow clearing mucus). © 2011 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.