RADIATION

HAZARDS
AND SAFETY
RADIATION
HAZARDS
The radiation exposure usually
results from diagnostic as well
as therapeutic radiation devices.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
RADIATION
Radiation produce changes within the living tissues.

The X-ray beam while traversing the tissue forces

the electrons to be ejected from the atomic lattice.

The atom is thus left with surplus +ve electrical

charge.

The cells within the tissue come to a state of high

chemical reactivity which can initiate biological
effects.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF
RADIATION
The DIRECT effect appears due to absorption of energy by the
molecules.

While INDIRECT effects are caused by the products of radiation

decomposition [radiolysis] of water and other solutes of the
body.

After radiolysis of water in the cells, there is formation of free

radicals with unpaired electrons. These free radicals and the
H2O2 formed by them are highly reactive and mutagenic.

Since these free radicals possess large amount of energy , they

can readily break chemical bounds such as proteins , nucleic
acids and lipids.
REACTION SHOWING FORMATION
OF FREE RADICALS WITH UNPAIRED
ELECTRONS:
DAMAGES PRODUCED BY THE RADIATION IN A DNA MOLECULES ARE:-
Change of base (deamination) , loss of base , H+
bond breakage between chains , single strand
break , double strand break , cross-linking with
helix and cross-linking with other DNA molecules
and protein.

Any alteration in the order is most likely to

change the genetic information. These changes
may lead to mutations, disturbed normal cell
proliferation or other cellular activities.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT
SPECIES TO THE RADIATION:-
Gy = Gray
1 Gray = 1 joule of energy per Kg. of absorbing material.
1 Gray = 100 Rads.
LD 50/30 = dose that will kill 50% of the population within a peroid of 30
days.

Species LD 50/30
Rabbit 7.5 Gy
Rat 7.1 Gy
Mouse 6.4 Gy
Hamster 6.1 Gy
Guinea pig 4.5 Gy
Man 3.0 Gy
Dog 2.5 Gy
EARLY EFFECTS OF RADIATION:-
The intensive irradiation of the entire body
severely depletes radiosensitive cells in many
organs simultaneously. The combined effect
produces radiation sickness (acute radiation
syndrome).
THE DEGREE OF INJURY TO
DIFFERENT TISSUES/ORGANS BY
RADIATION:-
Lymphoid tissue: within 15 min. after a moderate dose,
there is marked reduction in cell division among lymphocytes
& many show necrotic changes.

Bone marrow: the precursors of red blood cells, granulocytes

& platelets are radiosensitive. Within a week or two after
radiation exposure most of the radiosensitive elements
disappear from marrow leaving an aplastic marrow
containing resistant cells & haemorrhages.

Organ of vision: radiation induces inflammatory reactions in

the conjuntiva & sclera.
 Digestive system: large dose of radiation cause
ulcers & erosions in the buccal cavity. Also the
pepsinogen secreting cells are adversely affected &
parietal cells are functionally disturbed resulting in
decreased hydrochloric acid production. The net
effect of this is gastric ulcers & haemorrhage. Also
large doses of radiation may shorten the villi of
intestine & cause injury resulting loss of fluids &
decreased absorption and electrolyte imbalance.

Respiratory system: radiation pneumonitis,

hyalinisation & fibrosis of the lungs may be observed.

Female reproductive organs: ova & the granulosa

cells are highly radiosensitive.
Male reproductive organs: spermatogonia are highly
sensitive, at higher dose it may not be able to fertilise ova.
If fertilisation occurs, the implantation fails. And the
sterility sets in at dose above 2-4Gy.

Urinary system: parenchymal cells, ureters & bladder are

radioresistant. The damage to the kidneys occur due to the
injury to the blood vessels, the resultant ischemia
produces hypertension .

Skin: germinal layer of the epidermis is adversely

affected. Higher doses of radiation cause cell death &
increased cellular differentiation, these cells migrate to the
superficial layer of the skin & desquamate. Normal tight
ridged structure of the dermis become loose. Dermatitis &
subsequent ulcers develop above dose of 10 Gy.
DELAYED EFFECTS OF RADIATION:-
It includes shortening of the life span, leukamia,
malignant tumours & cataract. In man, there
may also be induration & atrophy of the skin,
connective tissue & lungs.
RADIATION
SAFETY
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF
RADIATION SAFETY:-
Increasing the distance between the radiation source and
personnel.

No individuals other than operator and those essential

involved in the procedure should be in the X-ray room.

Wherever possible, the animal should not be manually

restrained. Chemical restraint combined with physical
restraint devices should be employed.

To avoid exposure to the primary beam, a cassette holding

device should always be used in large animal radiography.
The operator should be in a shielding booth or
behind a shielding screen or atleast 6 feet
away from the X-ray source.

No part of the body should be exposed to the

primary X-ray beam.
USE OF
PROTECTI
VE
BARRIERS
:-
Gloves: The
lead gloves
should have
0.5mm lead
equivalent for
voltages upto
100kv.
Goggle
s: Lead
goggles
should be
used during
fluoroscopy
examinatio
ns.
Aprons
: Aprons
should have
a minimum
of 0.25mm
lead
equivalent
for voltages
upto 100kv.
X-ray room & equipment:
The X-ray facilities should be located away from the
flow of traffic & public

Warning signs must be displayed near the location

of X-ray units.

The wall of the X-ray room should be atleast 22cm

thick.

It is essential to check X-ray equipments

periodically for possible leakage.
REDUCTION OF EXPOSURE
FACTORS:
Correct exposure factors must be used in the first
attempt.

The X-ray film should be processed correctly and

properly to avoid repetition.

Avoid unnecessary exposures on owners demand.

Use of aluminium filters of atleast 2.5mm

thickness to absorb the soft X-ray.
USE OF RADIATION MONITORING
DEVICES:
Radiation monitoring devices should be worn all the
time by the individuals involved in radiographic work.

Ideally, one film badge should be worn at the belt level

to monitor whole body exposure and the other at the
neckline to estimate exposure to the skin of the head
& neck and eyes.

At periodic intervals these monitoring devices should

be sent to the research center(Division of Radiation
Safety, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay,
Bombay) for calculating radiation dose.
MONITORING DEVICE:
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE DOSE FOR
VET. & STAFF:
BODY PART ONE WEEK
ONE YEAR
Whole body, 100m rem
5,000m rem
Gonads, bone marrow,
Lens of the eye

Hands forearms 1,500m rem

75,000m rem
& feet
.

Where, rem = rad*quality factor.

!! THANK YOU !!

Made by: Girjesh Upmanyu