An investigation of the assimilation, distribution, retention, an excretion of the fission products and actinide elements in the rat has been conducted at the Crocker Radiation Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California. These studies were initiated October 15, 1942, and are continuing at the present time. An extensive survey has been made of the metabolism of twenty-two different radio elements in the rat.

This volume is a comprehensive introduction to the analysis, binding, uptake, metabolism, kinetics, modeling, distribution, occurrence, toxicity and chelation of metals and fluoride in the body, with special reference to mineralized tissues. Both toxic and relatively harmless polyvalent cations and anions are considered. Included are some which are stable, and others which are radioactive. While a number are essential trace elements, others have no known metabolic role. Most chapters are concerned with the uptake of bone-seeking ions by the living skeleton, but aspects of the post-mortem uptake of metals and the process of fossilization are also considered. Highlighted are the utility of modern analytical techniques and the more important bone-seeking elements including aluminum, lead, cadmium, fluorine and the radioactive heavy metals including uranium and plutonium. This important publication is of particular value to those in the fields of biochemistry, radioactive waste, geology, physiology, dentistry, orthopedics, radiology and nuclear medicine, urology, industrial hygiene, pharmacology, anthropology, paleontology, and archeology.

More than a year ago the three editors sat down at a table and worked out a set of six chapter headings which they believed might serve, in turn, for each of the three sections of this handbook. (The reader will note a similarity in order of presentation and in emphasis.) However, as our editorial plans progressed it became apparent that for each element and for the element group, there were one or two special topics appropiate for that section alone. Accordingly, in the section on uranium the common pattern holds for Chaps. 1 through 6 which include: an introduction (Chap. 1), a discussion of the physical and chemical properties (Chap. 2), experimental data on animals (Chap. 3), ex perimental data on man (Chap. 4), the rationale and development of air con centration limits to control industrial worker exposure (Chap. 5), and the prac tical problems of applying such limits in the uranium industry (Chap. 6). Chap. 7 entitled "Uranium Mining Hazards" is the subject category which is special for uranium; the chapter brings up to date the account of an important occupational hazard which was first noted by GEORGIUS AGRICOLA (1490-1555).