RADIOATION PROTECTION

September 2, 2022

College of Radiologic Technology

 Topic I: Classification of Radiation
1. Sources of radiation
i. Natural
ii. Man-made
2. Justification for radiation protection
i. Somatic effects
ii. Genetic effects
3. Potential biologic damage of ionizing radiation
i. Stochastic effects
ii. Non-stochastic (deterministic) effects
Justification for radiation protection

• Somatic effects are those which occur in the exposed individual. According to Jefferson
Laboratory, a short-term dose of 200 to 300 rads can result in sunburn-like injuries to the skin
with accompanying hair loss. At doses over 1,000 rads, the gastrointestinal system suffers
upset, including nausea, electrolyte imbalance and other symptoms. In excess of 5,000 rads,
the nervous system undergoes shock, leading to confusion, loss of coordination or coma due to
internal bleeding and pressure in the brain. Delayed, longer-term somatic effects include the
possible development of tumors, cancer and cataracts.

• Genetic effects are those that occur in the descendants of a parent whose DNA molecules are
modified due to exposure to ionizing radiation. Genetic effects of radiation are impossible to
distinguish from mutations due to other causes.
Potential Biologic Damage of Ionizing Radiation

• The stochastic effects of radiation exposure occur a long time after

exposure. Stochastic effects can result from high-dose, short-term
exposure, but the concern in diagnostic imaging involves low-dose
exposures over time.
• After exposure to a high radiation dose, humans can experience a
response within a few days to a few weeks. This immediate response is
called a deterministic effect of radiation exposure.
TOPIC II. Objectives of a Radiation Protection Program

1. Occupational and non-occupational dose limits

2. ALARA concept (optimization)
3. Cardinal Principles
Occupational and Non-occupational Dose Limits

A. Occupational exposures
1. Effective dose
a. Annual: 50 mSv (5000 mrem)
b. Cumulative: 10 mSv × age (1000 mrem × age)
2. Equivalent annual dose for tissues and organs
a. Lens of the eye: 150 mSv (15 rem)
b. Thyroid, skin, hands, and feet: 500 mSv (50 rem)
Occupational and Non-occupational Dose Limits

B. Public exposures (annual)

1. Effective dose, frequent exposure: 1 mSv (100 mrem)
2. Equivalent dose for tissues and organs
a. Lens of eye: 15 mSv (1500 mrem)
b. Skin, hands, and feet: 50 mSv (5000 mrem)
Occupational and Non-occupational Dose Limits

C. Education and training exposures (annual)

1. Effective dose: 1 mSv (100 mrem)
2. Equivalent dose for tissues and organs
a. Lens of eye: 15 mSv (1500 mrem)
b. Skin, hands, and feet: 50 mSv (5000 mrem)
Occupational and Non-occupational Dose Limits

D. Embryo–fetus exposures
1. Total equivalent dose: 5 mSv (500 mrem)
2. Equivalent dose in 1 month: 0.5 mSv (50 mrem)

E. Negligible individual dose (annual): 0.01 mSv (10 mrem)

ALARA Concept

• Current studies suggest that even the low doses of x-radiation used
in routine diagnostic procedures may result in a small incidence of
latent harmful effects.
• It is also well established that human fetuses are sensitive to x-
radiation early in pregnancy.
• Always practice ALARA: Keep radiation exposures As Low As
Reasonably Achievable
Cardinal Principles of Radiation Protection

• Shielding: wear protective apparel

• Time: minimize the time of radiation exposure
• Distance: maximize the distance from the source