Development Of Radiation Protection Research Articles

Update on Current and Future Developments in Radiation Protection of Patients.

In this review, we look upon the current literature on the advances in radiation production and prospective future developments.

Skeletal dosimetry in a microCT image-based rat model for external photon irradiation

Human skeletal dosimetry has experienced great developments in radiation protection in recent years by using the heterogeneous skeletal model. While for the rats experimentally used in radiation medicine, the investigation on skeletal dosimetry were mainly based on the homogeneous skeletal model, leading to inaccurate assessments of dose to radiosensitive tissues of red bone marrow (RBM) and bone surface. The purpose of this study is to develop a rat model with heterogeneous skeletal system and to investigate the dose difference in bone tissues for external photon irradiation. The high resolution of microCT images of a rat weighing 335g were segmented into bone cortical, bone trabecular, bone marrow as well as other organs to construct the rat model. The absorbed dose to bone cortical, bone trabecular and bone marrow were calculated respectively by using Monte Carlo simulation for 22 external monoenergetic photon beams between 10keV and 10MeV under four different irradiation geometries conditions (left lateral [LL], right lateral [RL], dorsal-ventral [DV], ventral-dorsal [VD]). The calculated absorbed dose data were expressed as dose conversion coefficients and presented in this article, and the effect of irradiation conditions, photon energies and bone tissues density on the skeletal dose was discussed. The results showed that the dose conversion coefficients varying the photon energy for bone cortical, bone trabecular and bone marrow exhibit different trends and have the same sensitivity to irradiation conditions. The dose difference in bone tissues indicated that bone cortical and bone trabecular have significant attenuation effect on the energy deposition in bone marrow and bone surface for photon energies below 0.2MeV. The set of dose conversion coefficients in this work can be used to determine the absorbed dose to skeletal system for external photon irradiation and to supplement the rat skeletal dosimetry.

Update on current and future developments in radiation protection of patients

Objectives: In this review, we look upon the current literature on the advances in radiation production and prospective future developments. Key Findings: PubMed was searched for all articles on the radiation protection of patients. These articles were reviewed and significant literature on the latest developments was included. Conclusion: Various new methods have evolved for radiation protection. These methods are discussed in detail in this article. Implications for practice: Radiologist should know the current updates on radiation protection to improve departmental safety.

Expectations for New Developments in Radiation Protection

Expectations for New Developments in Radiation Protection

Uncertainties in estimating health risks associated with exposure to ionising radiation

The information for the present discussion on the uncertainties associated with estimation of radiation risks and probability of disease causation was assembled for the recently published NCRP Report No. 171 on this topic. This memorandum provides a timely overview of the topic, given that quantitative uncertainty analysis is the state of the art in health risk assessment and given its potential importance to developments in radiation protection. Over the past decade the increasing volume of epidemiology data and the supporting radiobiology findings have aided in the reduction of uncertainty in the risk estimates derived. However, it is equally apparent that there remain significant uncertainties related to dose assessment, low dose and low dose-rate extrapolation approaches (e.g. the selection of an appropriate dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor), the biological effectiveness where considerations of the health effects of high-LET and lower-energy low-LET radiations are required and the transfer of risks from a population for which health effects data are available to one for which such data are not available. The impact of radiation on human health has focused in recent years on cancer, although there has been a decided increase in the data for noncancer effects together with more reliable estimates of the risk following radiation exposure, even at relatively low doses (notably for cataracts and cardiovascular disease). New approaches for the estimation of hereditary risk have been developed with the use of human data whenever feasible, although the current estimates of heritable radiation effects still are based on mouse data because of an absence of effects in human studies. Uncertainties associated with estimation of these different types of health effects are discussed in a qualitative and semi-quantitative manner as appropriate. The way forward would seem to require additional epidemiological studies, especially studies of low dose and low dose-rate occupational and perhaps environmental exposures and for exposures to x rays and high-LET radiations used in medicine. The development of models for more reliably combining the epidemiology data with experimental laboratory animal and cellular data can enhance the overall risk assessment approach by providing biologically refined data to strengthen the estimation of effects at low doses as opposed to the sole use of mathematical models of epidemiological data that are primarily driven by medium/high doses. NASA’s approach to radiation protection for astronauts, although a unique occupational group, indicates the possible applicability of estimates of risk and their uncertainty in a broader context for developing recommendations on: (1) dose limits for occupational exposure and exposure of members of the public; (2) criteria to limit exposures of workers and members of the public to radon and its short-lived decay products; and (3) the dosimetric quantity (effective dose) used in radiation protection.

Physics for diagnostic radiology.3rd edition. DendyPP HeatonB (editors). London: CRC Press; 2011. 720 pp. £49.99

Free AccessBook reviewPhysics for diagnostic radiology. 3rd edition.K FaulknerK FaulknerSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:28 Jan 2014https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr/89098047SectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail AboutThis is the third edition of a well-established textbook on the physics of medical imaging which was first published in 1987. Over the intervening years, the textbook has been revised to keep up with the developments in imaging technology. In this third edition there has been a major revision which includes new material on digital detectors and the differences between analogue and digital imaging. The chapter on CT has been updated to include recent developments such as multislice CT, three-dimensional resolution, the application of dual energy CT scanning and cone beam CT. The chapters on radiographical imaging have been extended to include, among other topics, subtraction techniques and interventional radiology. Nuclear medicine benefits from a new chapter on positron emission tomography (PET) including multimodal imaging (e.g. PET/CT). The impact of European legislation and new developments in radiation protection have been included as well as an extended treatment of radiation doses and risks. Finally, there is a new chapter on the handling of digital image data in radiology departments which includes picture archiving and communication systems, teleradiology, computer networks and the archiving/storage of digital images.Readers of the previous editions of this book will recognise that the layout of the educational material has been updated. In particular, there is a summary at the beginning of each chapter to indicate the key learning points. There are also additional notes in the form of insight sections which cover the more technical points of the subject. Another change is that the number of contributors to the textbook has increased.The main reason why this textbook has been so popular over the years is that the science and technology of diagnostic imaging has always been described in a manner which the typical trainee radiologist, radiographer or medical physicist could easily understand. This edition remains true to that ethos. For example, the chapter on digital image storage and handling by Geoff Cusick covers difficult-to-understand techniques such as sampling and aliasing. The figures illustrating bit depth complement the text and bring the subject alive. The other new sections are also written in the same style.In summary, this is the third edition of a textbook on the science and technology of diagnostic radiology, which has served numerous trainee radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists well over the years. It is written in a clear and concise style and covers the basic subject of physics in diagnostic radiology and the recent technological advances. It is recognised by the International Organisation for Medical Physics as part of an official book series. The textbook can be recommended to trainee medical physicists, radiographers and radiologists. Previous article Next article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 85, Issue 1011March 2012Pages: 197-e72 2012 The British Institute of Radiology History Published onlineJanuary 28,2014 Metrics Download PDF

Reflections on the impact of advances in the assessment of genetic risks of exposure to ionizing radiation on international radiation protection recommendations between the mid-1950s and the present

Efforts at protecting people against the harmful effects of radiation had their beginnings in the early 1900s with the intent of protecting individuals in medicine and associated professions. Such efforts remain vital for all of us more than 100 years later as part of our 'learning to live with ionizing radiation.' The field of radiation protection has evolved slowly over time with advances in knowledge on hereditary (i.e., genetic) and carcinogenic effects of radiation continually improving our ability to make informed judgments about how best to balance risks against benefits of radiation exposure. This paper examines just one aspect of these efforts, namely, how advances in knowledge of genetic effects of radiation have impacted on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The focus is on the period from the mid-1950s (when genetic risk estimates were first made) to 2007. This article offers a detailed historical analysis and personal perspective, and concludes with a synopsis of key developments in radiation protection.

Radiation protection in the world and in former Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro since discovering of the x-rays to nowadays

Harmful effects of radiation and call for protection against it were recognized practically immidiatly upon the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity. A chronological review of some key events in development of radiation protection is given in this paper. First, the main activities of the ICRP since its establishment to nowadays are presented. Afterwards, a general description of some, according to the author's opinion, important events in the field of radiation protection in the former Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro are given as: Vinca accident; Organization of Radiation Protection Laboratory in Vinca Institute; International Vinca Dosimetry Experiment; First Symposium and organization of the Yugoslav Radiation Protection Association; the French - Yugoslav Colloquium on radiation protection; International intercomparison experiment on nuclear accident dosimetry, and the International Summer Schools and Symposium on Radiation Protection organized in Yugoslavia. Some comments on the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents are given as well. Bioindicators of low dose and dose intensity exposure are cited as one of the main problems that have to be resolved in radiation protection in the near future. Finally, as one of the main problems that, according to the author's opinion, physicists have to resolve in this field in the near future would be development of the operational dosimeter for high energy neutrons.

Development of Radiation Protection on TENORM

Some of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM), such as radon and monazite sand, gradually became a target for radiological protection. In order to regulate TENORM safely and economically, it is essential to consider the characteristics of TENORM such as ubiquity, huge volume, and very low activity levels. In this paper, radiation protection principles and standards for NORM/TENORM are summarized based on the reports published by the international organizations (e. g. ICRP and IAEA) to assist the development of national regulatory framework. The survey results on the present Japanese situations on industries related to NORM/TENORM are provided, and the categorization for NORM/TENORM, which is established by the Radiation Council of Japan, is explained how to control NORM/TENORM based on their exposure doses instead of their activity levels. Finally, basic processes to solve the problems related to NORM/TENORM are discussed.

Similarities and differences between free 211At and 125I− transport in porcine thyroid epithelial cells cultured in bicameral chambers

The transport and accumulation of free 211At and 125I− were investigated in thyrocytes cultured as monolayers in bicameral chambers under the influence of thyroid-stimulating hormone, stable iodide, ouabain and perchlorate. The results indicate that there are similarities and differences in the transport mechanisms of free 211At and 125I−. These results will be valuable in the development of radiation protection when handling and using 211At-labeled radiopharmaceuticals, and for the potential use of free 211At in radiation therapy of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer.

Intercomparison and Validation Exercises in the Southern Urals and the Kazakh Polygon

The military nuclear activities in the former Soviet Union led to unique contamination and resulted in high cumulative exposures. A proper assessment is needed for mitigation and for the further development of radiation protection. Environmental samples from areas affected by large radioactive releases into the Techa river starting in 1948 and by fall-out from the explosion of a tank containing high level waste in 1957, were independently analysed by two Russian groups and by our team in 1992-93. Soil, sediments, milk and fish samples were split into three aliquots and analysed for 90 Sr, 137 Cs and plutonium. Soil values in areas accessible to the local population were up to 16 kBq kg -1 for 90 Sr, up to 26 kBq kg -1 for 137 Cs and up to 12 Bq kg -1 for 239 Pu, respectively. Milk generally contained low levels ranging from to 25 Bq kg -1 for 90 Sr, 1 to 14 Bq kg -1 for 137 Cs and Bq kg -1 for plutonium. Pike from the Techa river, however, showed 15,000 Bq kg -1 90 Sr. In 1993, 750 in vivo measurements of 90 Sr/ 90 Y were performed in individuals of communities situated downstream of Majak which had incorporated large activities of 90 Sr from using the Techa river as drinking water supply. To help validate a large body of Russian measurements, a transportable body counter which measures the scull content of 90 Sr/ 90 Y directly from high energy β 's emitted from the front of the head and also indirectly via Bremsstrahlung was developed. Although the highest activities (37 kBq) were found in persons having lived at the river Techa during the early releases, considerable 90 Sr contamination, often accompanied with elevated 137 Cs burdens, were also found in younger persons indicating recent ingestion. Chronic and recent contamination will add to the uncertainties involved in the assessment of bone marrow doses from 90 Sr as a crucial element in dose reconstruction for the Techa river cohort. A first visit to the medical school and health institutions in Semipalatinsk and to a village having been heavily contaminated by an atmospheric bomb test at the Polygon yielded sometimes contradictory information but indicated high cumulative exposures in several Kazakh settlements adjacent to the test site.

Radiation protection and medical practice with special reference to health physicists and the Health Physics Society.

This paper broadly examines the historical development of radiation protection in medical practice through an examination of the interactions of those concerned with radiation protection and medical practice with emphasis on the last half century and on the role played by health physicists and the Health Physics Society. Included is a brief discussion of the relevant activities of various federal agencies and other organizations including the Atomic Energy Commission and successors and the U.S. Public Health Service; the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and International Commission on Radiological Protection; and the Health Physics Society, American Board of Health Physics, American Association of Physicists in Medicine, Society of Nuclear Medicine, and Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and related scientific and professional bodies.

On the ambient dose equivalent

Two different concepts of ambient dose equivalent can be extracted, in the case of photons, from ICRU Reports. The characteristics of both are analysed considering the monitoring requirements. Furthermore, the utility of the ambient dose equivalent is discussed in a more general way on the basis of the most recent developments in radiation protection. We conclude that the ambient dose equivalent does not represent the most appropriate solution for area monitoring of strongly prenetrating photon radiation.

The development of radiation protection

The harm that might be caused by radiation exposure was recognised within months of Rontgen's discovery of X-rays, and recommendations for protection of patients and workers with radiation were formulated first in 1928. In the light of increasing radiobiological, genetic and human epidemiological evidence, it became clear that there might be no threshold, below which harmful effects did not occur. Recommendation and practice in radiation protection reflected this opinion from the early 1950s, and emphasised the consequent need for minimising exposures, quantifying risks and revising the dose limits appropriate for internal radiation of body organs.

The Development of Radiation Protection in Diagnostic Radiology

The Development of Radiation Protection in Diagnostic Radiology