Radiation Protection

1. Differentiate between stochastic and non-stochastic effects in matrix form by

citing at least 4 concepts.
2. Summarize the linear non-threshold dose threshold concept by citing at least 3
concepts.
3. Explain briefly each of the 3 key features of Dose Limitation.
4. List at least 4 changes /revisions made between ICRP 60 and ICRP 103.
5. Cite at least 3 reasons why the dose limits for occupational exposure are higher
than that for public exposure.
6. For operational radiation protection what is the meaning of optimization and give
at least 3 examples of optimization principles.
7. Explain citing at least 3 reasons why the concept of dose limit does not apply to
patient protection.
8. Explain briefly each of the 3 Categories of Exposure.
9. Explain briefly each of the 3 types of Exposure Situations.
10. Differentiate absorbed dose vs equivalent dose vs effective dose in matrix form.

1. Stochastic vs. Non-Stochastic Effects:

Concepts Stochastic Effects Non-Stochastic Effects

1. Probability of Random and probabilistic. Deterministic and predictable.
Occurrence No threshold. Threshold exists.
2. Relationship to The probability increases Severity increases with dose.
Dose with the dose.
3. Nature of Effects Cancer and hereditary Tissue damage and organ failure.
effects.
4. Examples Cancer induction, genetic Radiation burns, cataracts, organ
mutations. failure at high doses.

2. Linear Non-Threshold Dose-Response Concept:

The linear non-threshold (LNT) dose-response concept posits that there is a linear
relationship between radiation dose and the likelihood of harm, without a threshold below
which no harm occurs.

Concepts Linear Non-Threshold Dose-Response Concept

1. No Threshold
2. Cumulative Effect
3. Radiation Protection
Assumption
Harm increases linearly with dose, even at low
levels.
Each dose contributes proportionally to the overall
risk.
Any dose, no matter how small, carries some risk of
harm.
3. Key Features of Dose Limitation:

Key Features Explanation

1. Justification
2. Optimization of Protection
3. Dose Constraints and
Limits
Ensures that any exposure has a sufficient purpose.
Maximizing benefits while minimizing radiation
exposure.
Establishing permissible dose levels for different
groups.

4. Changes/Revisions between ICRP 60 and ICRP 103:

Changes/Revisions
1. Dose Limits
2. Introduction of Effective Dose
3. Emphasis on Optimization
4. Updated Radiation Weighting Factors (Q Factors)

5. Reasons for Higher Occupational Dose Limits:

Reasons
1. Informed Consent
2. Occupational Benefit
3. Occupational Exposure Control Measures

6. Optimization in Operational Radiation Protection:

Optimization refers to the process of minimizing radiation exposure while achieving the
necessary benefits. Examples include:

1. ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)

2. Use of Shielding and Barriers
3. Periodic Equipment Calibration and Maintenance
7. Dose Limits and Patient Protection:

Reasons
1. Medical Benefits Outweigh Risks
2. Informed Consent and Patient Autonomy
3. Dose Tailoring for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures

8. Three Categories of Exposure:

1. Occupational Exposure
2. Medical Exposure
3. Public Exposure

9. Three Types of Exposure Situations:

1. Planned Exposure Situations

2. Emergency Exposure Situations
3. Existing Exposure Situations

10. Matrix Differentiation: Absorbed Dose vs. Equivalent Dose vs. Effective Dose:

Concepts Absorbed Dose Equivalent Dose Effective Dose

Definition Energy Absorbed dose x The sum of equivalent
deposited per Radiation Weighting doses weighted by tissue
unit mass. Factor (Q). weighting factors.
Units Gray (Gy) Sievert (Sv) Sievert (Sv)
Purpose Measures Takes into account the Represents overall risk by
energy biological impact of considering radiation types
deposition. different types of and organ sensitivity.
radiation.