Unit 1: Principles of Radiation Protection Flashcards
Discuss why radiation protection is important in relatively low-level radiation environments such as diagnostic radiology.
When x-rays pass through matter, ionizing radiation produces postive and negatively charged ions. Can lead to potential harmful effects
- creation of unstable atoms
- production of free electrons
- production of low energy photons
State the 4 main aspects of radiation safety
- patients should not be subjected to unnecessary radiographic
procedures - the patient must be protected from excessive radiation exposure
during the examination. - personnel within the facility must be protected from excessive
exposure to radiation during the course of their work. - personnel and the general public in the vicinity of such facilities
require adequate protection
Discuss the cardinal principles of radiation protection
- Time
- patient: reduce the “on time” & reduce repeats
- personnel: shortening length of time in room - Distance: maximizing distance for patient and dose
- Shielding: gonadal shielding , aprons, lead walls, control rooms
Discuss the concept of dose limits
The concept of radiation exposure and of the associated risk of
radiation-induced malignancy is the basis of the effective dose limiting system
The amount of radiation a person is allowed to recieve: public and personnel
Formed by advisory groups based on estimated somatic and genetic effects of irradiation
State the dose limits for the public and occupationally exposed
Whole body: 50 & 1msv
Eyes: 50 & 15mSv
Skin:500mSv & 50mSv
Hands & Feet: 500mSv
* eyes and whole body avg 20msv over 5 years max 50 in a year
why all unnecessary radiation exposure should be avoided with reference to the reasons for dose limits.
Any radiation involves some degree of risk and doses must me kept ALARA
State the additional specifications, and/or, recommendations for dose limits.
- no different limits for different organs (500mSv in a year to all tissues except the limit of the eye)
As a student can we xray another student in the lab?
No we fall under the ministry of labour.
- not certified
- no phycisian order
What are 2 main issues with repeat exposures
Patient and operator dose
Which advisory group produces SC35
Health Canada
Which advisory group produces HARP
Ministry of Health
If you need an x-ray as a result of a work related injury should you wear a TLD
No its only for occupational dose not personal
