Radiation Effects and Safety

Question 1

Who establishes specific radiation limits for operators of radiation equipment?

Answer 1

The National Council on Radiation Protection.

Question 2

What does the National Council on Radiation Protection do?

Answer 2

They establish specific radiation limits for operators of radiation equipment.

Question 3

What is the MPD?

Answer 3

Maximum Permissible Dose.

Question 4

What is the MPD (Maximum Permissible Dose) for occupational exposure?

Answer 4

5 rem per year, or 0.1 rem per week.

Question 5

What are the 3 elements of radiation safety?

Answer 5

1. ) Limitation of the radiation exposure.
2. ) Limitation of the size of the primary beam.
3. ) Minimizing exposure to secondary or scatter radiation.

Question 6

What does the Inverse Square Law state?

Answer 6

The intensity of the primary beam decreases in proportion to the square of the distance from the source.

Question 7

Short term or acute effects of radiation result from what?

Answer 7

Very high doses of radiation, as from a nuclear incident. (Like Chernobyl)

Question 8

What are some long-term effects of radiation exposure? Name 5.

Answer 8

1. ) Reddening of the skin.
2. ) Hair loss.
3. ) Split fingernails
4. ) Blindness
5. ) Sterility

Question 9

What does ALARA stand for?

Answer 9

As low as reasonably allowable.

Question 10

What speed of film is best to use, to reduce the patients risk of exposure?

Answer 10

Fast.

Question 11

How many feet must the operator stand away from the patient to reduce their risk of exposure?

Answer 11

6 feet, or behind a lead shield, or both.

Question 12

What cells are most sensitive to radiation? There are 3.

Answer 12

Young growing cells, reproductive cells, and blood-forming cells.

Question 13

Where are young growing cells found?

Answer 13

In a pregnant dental patient.