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Accession Number:
ADA553208
Title:
Carcinogenicity of Embedded Tungsten Alloys in Mice
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 10 Feb 2006-9 Feb 2011
Corporate Author:
HENRY M JACKSON FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MILITARY MEDICINE ROCKVILLE MD
Report Date:
2011-03-01
Pagination or Media Count:
160.0
Abstract:
A variety of unique metal mixtures have entered the military arsenals of many countries in recent years. One such material is the tungsten alloys, which have been proposed as replacements for depleted uranium DU in armor-penetrating munitions. As a result, opportunities for exposure are increasingly likely. This leads to questions, similar to those originally surrounding DU, as to the health effects of exposure to the tungsten alloys, especially for embedded fragment exposures. The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute AFRRI recently performed research that showed one of the militarily promising tungsten alloys to be a potent carcinogen when implanted in rats. The need to confirm the carcinogenicity of such alloys in another rodent species is an important second step required in biological as well as regulatory terms to better assess the cancer risk in humans. Results of this work will help in formulating policies for military surgeons who must treat personnel wounded by fragments of the alloys. Indications of unacceptable risks of exposure will also help determine the advisability of deploying or developing similar munitions. The results of this study showed, that as in the F344 rat model, tungstennickelcobalt alloy induced tumors, identified as rhabdomyosarcomas, at the implantation site. Tests with another militarily relevant alloy, tungstennickeliron, showed no tumor development when implanted intramuscularly.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
