Strontium metabolism with special consideration of genetic effects.

Abstract : Strontium metabolism is reviewed to determine possible correlations between Strontium-90, fallout and decreased decline in infant mortality rates. Strontium fallout characteristics, metabolism and reproductive tract kinetics are discussed. Articles making positive correlations between Strontium-90 fallout and the apparent decrease in expected continued decline in infant mortality rates are present. Strontium-90 was found to be capable of producing lethality and genetic mutations. The significances of strontium, however, as the sole or predominant influence on infant mortality is questioned due to lack of knowledge concerning strontium reproductive kinetics and absence of studies with parameters such as magnitude of dose and route of administration which are comparable to those produced at current fallout levels. (Author)