Harmful Radiation Research Articles

CORRELATION OF SUN PROTECTION FACTOR OF SUNSCREEN WITH ABSORBANCE AND TRANSMITTANCE IN THE ULTRAVIOLET RANGE OF RADIATION

Introduction: Ultraviolet solar radiation (UV) is harmful to people both because of sunburn and because of much more serious health problems, among which skin cancer is one of the most serious consequences of exposure to UVA and UVB radiation. Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful solar radiation,by absorbing or blocking UV radiation. The aim of the paper is to determine the correlation between the sun protection factor (SPF) and the absorbance of UV radiation of a domestic brand of sunscreen, and to compare the effectiveness of the domestic brand of sunscreen with other commercially available brands. Method: The UV-Vis spectrophotometric method was used to determine the correlation of the sun protection factor (SPF) with the absorbance and transmittance of UVA and UVB radiation. Results: The results showed a very good correlation and linear dependence of SPF with absorbance in the UVA (R2= 0.993) and in the UVB area (R2= 0.998).A statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) was observed in the absorbance of UVA and UVB radiation of different brands of sun protection creams with the same protection factor. Conclusion: This study shows a direct correlation between SPF sunscreen and absorbance, which assesses the effectiveness of sunscreens in blocking UVA and UVB radiation. However, it is important to point out that all the researched creams, although they block different amounts of UV radiation, all absorb both UVA and UVB rays. Keywords: Ultraviolet radiation, sun protection factor, absorbance, transmittance

Lead-Free All Inorganic Rubidium Copper Halide Rb2CuX3 (X = Cl, Br) for UVC Photodetector with Fast Response.

Recently, lead halide perovskites have shown great potential in the photodetection field. Unfortunately, the existence of toxic lead elements restricts their practical application. Herein, high-quality 1D lead-free crystals Rb2CuX3 (X = Cl, Br) are successfully synthesized in an acidic medium. Rb2CuCl3 and Rb2CuBr3 display violet photoluminescence emission peaks at 401 and 388nm with a high exciton lifetime of 12.78 and 59.67µs, respectively, which is due to self-trapped excitons (STE). Furthermore, a photodetector is fabricated to detect harmful UVC radiation with Rb2CuBr3 as a light absorber. The proposed photodetector has a responsivity of 0.92mAW-1 and a specific detectivity of 1.57 × 109 Jones with a fast response speed of 2.67/2.70 µs for rise/fall time, respectively. In addition, both the samples show good stability against open air, and continuous ultraviolet light (254nm), as well as good thermal stability which is necessary for device fabrication. Thus, the present study suggests that stable, non-toxic, and environment-friendly Rb2CuX3 (X = Cl, Br) can be a promising candidate for future UVC optoelectronic devices.

Heart cockle shells transmit sunlight to photosymbiotic algae using bundled fiber optic cables and condensing lenses.

Many animals convergently evolved photosynthetic symbioses. In bivalves, giant clams (Cardiidae: Tridacninae) gape open to irradiate their symbionts, but heart cockles (Cardiidae: Fraginae) stay closed because sunlight passes through transparent windows in their shells. Here, we show that heart cockles (Corculum cardissa and spp.) use biophotonic adaptations to transmit sunlight for photosynthesis. Heart cockles transmit 11-62% of photosynthetically active radiation (mean = 31%) but only 5-28% of potentially harmful UV radiation (mean = 14%) to their symbionts. Beneath each window, microlenses condense light to penetrate more deeply into the symbiont-rich tissue. Within each window, aragonite forms narrow fibrous prisms perpendicular to the surface. These bundled "fiber optic cables" project images through the shell with a resolution of >100 lines/mm. Parameter sweeps show that the aragonite fibers' size (~1 µm diameter), morphology (long fibers rather than plates), and orientation (along the optical c-axis) transmit more light than many other possible designs. Heart cockle shell windows are thus: (i) the first instance of fiber optic cable bundles in an organism to our knowledge; (ii) a second evolution, with epidermal cells in angiosperm plants, of condensing lenses for photosynthesis; and (iii) a photonic system that efficiently transmits useful light while protecting photosymbionts from UV radiation.

Nanotechnology in Cosmetics: An Overview

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the treatment of skin diseases in cosmetics, offering safe and targeted delivery of active medications and cosmetic ingredients. The use of carrier systems in nanotechnology improves skin penetration and sustained drug action. Formulators are using technology exclusive to cosmetic products, such as vesicular, particulate systems, emulsions, nano capsules, nanotubes, nanocrystals, and dendrimers. Nanomaterials are also used in hair care products and nail formulations. Nanomaterials are used in modern cosmetic products, particularly in sunscreens due to their ability to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation which is carcinogenic. This review explores nanotechnologies in the cosmetic industry and their potential as next- generation smarter carrier systems. It highlights the advances in nano cosmeceuticals and the applications of nanotechnology in cosmetics. It also focuses on the regulations of nanotechnology in cosmetics and describes various routes of exposure to nano particles in the human body. Keywords: Nanotechnology, cosmetics, nanoparticles, regulations, advances

Fasten UV-Resistant Cotton Textiles by Modification with Mixed Metal–Ce–MOF

Nowadays, manufacturing of ultraviolet (UV) protective textiles is quite interesting for the outdoor workers to protect their bodies from harmful radiation. Herein, for the first time, durable UV-protective cotton textiles were produced by modification with the mixed metal–Ce organic framework. Cotton was first interacted with 1,2,4-tricarboxybenzene-2,4-anhydride through benzylation reaction. The benzylated cotton (BTC–C = O@Cotton) was then reacted with two metal salts including Cerium salt to obtain Ce–M–BTC–C = O@Cotton. The estimated contents of Ce and the mixed metal within Ce–M–BTC–C = O@Cotton were 3.3% and 0.4%, respectively. The color of cotton was turned to bluish-green color, greenish-yellow color and reddish color after incorporation with Ce–Cu–BTC, Ce–Ni–BTC and Ce–Co–BTC, respectively. The all-modified fabrics exhibited UV-blocking character from good to excellent, depending on the inserted mixed metal. The measured UV-protection factor (UPF) was 34.7 (very good) for Ce–Cu–BTC–C = O@Cotton, 43.1 (excellent) for Ce–Ni–BTC–C = O@Cotton, 26.4 (good) for Ce–Zn–BTC–C = O@Cotton, and 33.3 (very good) for Ce–Co–BTC–C = O@Cotton. After 5 washing cycles, Ce–Ni–BTC–C = O@Cotton and Ce–Co–BTC–C = O@Cotton showed good UV protection. The mechanical properties of cotton textiles were not significantly affected after modification with Ce–M–BTC.

Robotic Assisted Ultrasound-Guided Endovascular Stent Implantation in a Vascular Model.

Endovascular procedures are the preferred method for treating peripheral arterial disease. However, limited imaging options during these procedures, such as X-rays and contrast media, expose patients and healthcare professionals to potentially harmful radiation. This study introduces a robotic ultrasound system (RUSS) for navigating endovascular procedures in order to reduce radiation and provide additional information. The RUSS comprises a seven-degree-of-freedom robotic arm that navigates an ultrasound transducer across a specific region of interest. The system is controlled by a self-programed software designed to navigate the robotic arm in a methodical and reproducible manner using a foot switch. An endovascular surgeon investigated the guidance and visibility of various guidewires and successfully implanted three stents in a vascular leg phantom using the RUSS without further radiation exposure. The innovative set-up has several potential applications, including radiation-free endovascular procedures as well as health screening and diagnostic support in vascular medicine.

Role of MoO3 /ZnO substitutions on radiation shielding and mechanical characteristics of lead silicate glasses

In the composition range of x= 0-5 mol%, glasses in the system 60SiO2-35Pb3O4-(5 − 𝑥𝑥) ZnO-xMoO3 have been investigated. An amorphous network structure characterizes the glasses. The density values for the LZSM glasses scaled between 5.91 g/cm³ for Mo0 and 6.249 g/cm³ for Mo5. The ultrasonic technique indicates that the shear and longitudinal speeds (VT & VL) increase linearly as the amount of MoO3 substituted for ZnO in the fabricated glasses increases. The elastic moduli were calculated and found to be increased with an increase in both ultrasonic velocities and density of the glass, which suggests a correlation between these parameters in the fabricated glasses. The radiation attenuation capacity with the addition of MoO3 increased systematically, which indicates the role of MoO3 in modifying the glass composition and enhances its ability to attenuate against harmful radiation. Mo5 establishes excellent protective resources compared to other substances, so Mo5 develops a favorable selection for building radiation absorption blocks. Such blocks show an acute character in protecting both nature and a person's health versus the dangerous impacts of radiation exposure.

Intertwined formation of H2, dust, and stars in cosmological simulations

Context. Molecular hydrogen (H2) plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies, serving as the primary fuel reservoir for star formation. In a metal-enriched Universe, H2 forms mostly through catalysis on interstellar dust grain surfaces. However, due to the complexities of modelling this process, star formation in cosmological simulations often relies on empirical or theoretical frameworks that have only been validated in the local Universe to estimate the abundance of H2. Aims. The goal of this work is to model the connection between the processes of star, dust, and H2 formation in our cosmological simulations. Methods. Building upon our recent integration of a dust evolution model into the star formation and feedback model MUPPI, we included the formation of molecular hydrogen on the surfaces of dust grains. We also accounted for the destruction of molecules and their shielding from harmful radiation. Results. The model reproduces, reasonably well, the main statistical properties of the observed galaxy population for the stellar, dust, and H2 components. The evolution of the molecular hydrogen cosmic density (ρH2) in our simulated boxes peaks around redshift z = 1.5, consistent with observations. Following its peak, ρH2 decreases by a factor of two towards z = 0, which is a milder evolution than observed. Similarly, the evolution of the molecular hydrogen mass function since z = 2 displays a gentler evolution when compared to observations. Our model recovers satisfactorily the integrated molecular Kennicut-Schmidt (mKS) law between the surface star formation rate (ΣSFR) and surface H2 density (ΣH2) at z = 0. This relationship is already evident at z = 2, albeit with a higher normalization. We find hints of a broken power law with a steeper slope at higher ΣH2. We also study the H2-to-dust mass ratio in galaxies as a function of their gas metallicity and stellar mass, observing a decreasing trend with respect to both quantities. The H2-to-dust mass fraction for the global population of galaxies is higher at higher redshift. The analysis of the atomic-to-molecular transition on a particle-by-particle basis suggests that gas metallicity cannot reliably substitute the dust-to-gas ratio in models attempting to simulate dust-promoted H2.

Multi-objective path planning for mobile robots in nuclear radiation environment

Abstract To minimize the harm of nuclear radiation in hazardous environments, employing mobile robots as substitutes for human workers is of significant practical importance. To plan an optimal path in a nuclear radiation environment, we developed a multi-objective path planning (MOPP) model to facilitate the integration of algorithmic improvements and experimental validation. An improved ant colony optimization algorithm (IACO-A*-M) is proposed, considering path length, cumulative radiation dose, and energy consumption during the movement process to address the path planning challenge for mobile robots in such environments. The approach begins with optimizing the initial pheromone distribution and heuristic function. Next, an improved A* algorithm is employed to estimate the MOPP path, enhancing pheromone levels along this path. Additionally, an elite ant strategy is applied in each iteration to accelerate convergence and improve search quality. Finally, a secondary path planning step is performed in each iteration to further shorten the path and minimize the number of turns. Simulation experiments conducted in MATLAB R2023a demonstrate that the IACO-A*-M algorithm significantly reduces the accumulated radiation dose, energy consumption, and multi-objective function values compared to ACO, IACO and IACO-A*. These results highlight the effectiveness of the IACO-A*-M algorithm in planning more efficient and rational paths in radiation environments.

An Updated Review on the Role of Phytoconstituents in Modulating Signalling Pathways to Combat Skin Ageing: Nature’s Own Weapons and Approaches

Abstract: Various geographical areas exhibit varying degrees of prevalence and severity of dermatological issues. The most commonly observed skin issues among adolescents during their growth period on a global scale encompass dry skin, dyspigmentation, wrinkles, fungal infections, as well as benign and malignant tumors. These conditions arise as a consequence of diminished functional capacity and heightened skin susceptibility. The primary manifestation of the whole process of skin ageing is its visual presentation, which encompasses changes in both the structure and function of the skin. The look and function of human skin exhibit particular variations as individuals age, representing a time-dependent phenomenon. This review article primarily examines the discussion surrounding the diverse phytoconstituents and their impact on signalling pathways in cellular metabolism, as well as their interaction with environmental factors and xenobiotic agents that contribute to skin aging. Ultraviolet (UV) light induces the rapid formation and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within skin cells, hence accelerating oxidative stress and the ageing process of the skin. One effective approach to addressing age-related skin disorders entails the utilization of exogenous supplementation through the consumption of dietary antioxidants, as well as the application of antioxidant-based lotions to the skin prior to sun exposure. Several plant species include phenolic components, including ascorbic acid, ellagitannins, and carotenoids, which have the ability to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and influence several survival signalling pathways. This comprehensive study elucidated multiple processes by which phytoconstituents exert their effects for intervention purposes. Additionally, it highlighted the ability of these phytoconstituents to modulate the NF-κB signalling pathway, MAPK signalling, Nrf2 signalling, and other pathways, hence demonstrating their potential anti-aging properties.

Bamboo-Based Carbon/Co/CoO Heterojunction Structures Based on a Multi-Layer Periodic Matrix Array Can Be Used for Efficient Electromagnetic Attenuation.

With the popularization of wireless communication, radar, and electronic devices, the hidden harm of electromagnetic radiation is becoming increasingly serious. The design of green biomass carbon-based interface heterojunctions based on lightweight porous materials can effectively protect against electromagnetic radiation hazards. In this work, we constructed an anisotropic heterojunction interface with magnetic and dielectric coupling based on a honeycomb-like periodic matrix multi-layer array repeating unit. The removal of lignin components from bamboo through oxidation enriches the impregnation pores and uniform adsorption sites of the magnetic medium. Further, in situ pyrolysis promotes the formation of a large number of electric dipoles at the interface between the magnetic medium and dielectric coupling inside the periodic cell carbon skeleton, enhancing interface polarization and relaxation. Local carrier traps and uneven electromagnetic density enhance dielectric and hysteresis losses, resulting in excellent impedance matching. Therefore, the obtained bamboo-based carbon multiphase composite absorbent has satisfactory electromagnetic loss characteristics. At a thickness of 1.55 mm, the effective absorption bandwidth reaches 5.1 GHz, and the minimum reflection loss (RL) value reaches -54.7 dB. In addition, the far-field radar simulation results show that the sample has an excellent RCS (radar cross-section) reduction of 33.3 dB·m2. This work provides new directions for the diversified development of green biomass and the optimization of the design of magnetic and dielectric coupling in periodic array structures.

Nanofiberous composite with CuO-Ag0 supported on bamboo/lycra for protection against transmittable infectious diseases

The transmittable infectious diseases, detrimental environmental contaminants and harmful UV radiations remained constant threat to human civilization. Cold, pneumonia, tuberculosis bacteria, rubella virus, RSV and COVID19, then urban and industrial emissions, volcanic eruptions, pollen, aerosols on one hand and skin cancer, sunburn, premature ageing and skin tanning on the other hand are some of the examples of serious risks to health, safety and well-being. The WHO reported over 7million worldwide deaths due to hazardous air contaminants. Exploiting the tremendous features of nanofiberous structure and excellent microbiocidal properties of Ag0 and CuO nanoparticles, a sustainable and stable nanofiber based composite Bmb-nanoNP was developed. Utilization of biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic and environmental friendly polymers enabled the composite as sustainable source for protective clothing purposes. The microparticulate filtration of Bmb-nanoNP was 99.13 % and 96 % with and without air suction respectively. The microbiocidal affect against E. coli and S. aureus strains was excellent(5.9 % and 8.86 % cell viabilities respectively). Similarly, the Bmb-nanoNP showed calculated UV protection factor (UPF) of 7954 (50 + rating).These characteristics demonstrated potential candidacy of the Bmb-nanoNP composite for multi-functional safety clothing applications.

Monolithically integrated neuromorphic electronic skin for biomimetic radiation shielding.

Melanogenesis, a natural responsive mechanism of human skin to harmful radiation, is a self-triggered defensive neural activity safeguarding the body from radiation exposure in advance. With the increasing significance of radiation shielding in diverse medical health care and wearable applications, a biomimetic neuromorphic optoelectronic system with adaptive radiation shielding capability is often needed. Here, we demonstrate a transparent and flexible metal oxide-based photovoltaic neuromorphic defensive system. By using a monolithically integrated ultraflexible optoelectronic circuitry and electrochromic device, seamless neural processing for ultraviolet (UV) radiation shielding including history-based sensing, memorizing, risk recognition, and blocking can be realized with piling the entire signal chain into the flexible devices. The UV shielding capability of the system can be evaluated as autonomous blocking up to 97% of UV radiation from 5 to 90 watts per square meter in less than 16.9 seconds, demonstrating autonomously modulated sensitivity and response time corresponding to UV environmental conditions and supplied bias.

Food Polyphenols in Radiation-Related Diseases: The Roles and Possible Mechanisms.

As science and technology continue to evolve, the potential harm of radiation to the human body cannot be overlooked. Radiation has the capacity to inflict cellular and body-wide damage. Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring compounds that are found in an array of plant foods. Scientific studies have demonstrated that these compounds possess noteworthy anti-radiation efficacy. Furthermore, they have been observed to be less toxic at higher doses. In the present review, we discussed the mechanisms of ionizing radiation damage and the progress in the research on the radiation resistance mechanism of polyphenol compounds, to provide guidance for the prevention and treatment of radiation related diseases. Food polyphenols can reduce the oxidative damage caused by ionizing radiation, clear free radicals, reduce DNA damage, regulate NF-KB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Wnt and other signaling pathways, improve immune function, and have significant protective effects on radiation-induced inflammation, fibrosis, cancer and other aspects. In addition, it also has significant dual effects on radiation sensitization and radiation protection. Food polyphenols come from a wide range of sources, are abundant in daily food, and have no toxic side effects, demonstrating that food polyphenols have great advantages in preventing and treating radiation-related diseases.

Cinnamon and Eucalyptus Extracts: A Promising Natural Approach for Durable Mosquito-Repellent Fabrics with Multifunctionality.

Mosquitoes are highly important carriers of diseases, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and various other life-threatening illnesses. Traditionally, many chemicals, such as plant extracts, oils, and smoke, have been employed for the purpose of repelling mosquitoes. Various plants possess essential oils and chemicals that have been proven to be good insect repellents and are commonly regarded as weeds. The present study focused on the development of eco-friendly, nonhazardous mosquito-repellent fabrics using cinnamon and eucalyptus extracts. First, eucalyptus and cinnamon extracts were produced separately using ethanol and water as solvents with and without heating. Forty-eight different fabric samples were prepared by applying these extracts at three levels of process application temperature. A steam dye bath sampling machine was utilized to execute the extraction application process on fabric samples. The mosquito repellency performances of all of the samples were evaluated using the cage test method. The cage test revealed that all of the samples of eucalyptus and cinnamon extract-applied fabrics showed mosquito repellency performance at some level. However, the fabric samples treated with the heated extract of eucalyptus ethanol (EE-H) at 60 °C showed the best results in terms of mosquito repellency (85.56%) among all combinations. In addition to repellency, the impact of washing durability, UV shielding, and antibacterial performance was also evaluated. This research demonstrated a new method for creating a fabric that repels mosquitoes and has effective antibacterial properties as well as promising ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. This fabric protects the wearer from the significant health risks posed by mosquitoes and harmful UV radiation while also maintaining its cleanliness. Moreover, the utilization and implementation of plant-derived coatings on textiles contribute to the advancement of sustainable methods (SDG 9 and SDG 12) in the chemical processing industry of textiles, ultimately leading to a reduction in their environmental footprint.

Aerospace Medicine – An Evolving Field to Mitigate and Treat Organ Dysfunction Partly Caused by Premature Aging in Low Microgravity

Space medicine is a branch of aerospace medicine, which is a crucial field, albeit with minimal research. Research at the International Space Station and other endeavors has provided insights into how loss of gravity could affect the physiological functions of humans. Organs such as the heart could begin to deteriorate with lack of resistance from the planet. The musculoskeletal system, which is the anatomical backbone, may struggle to support the individual’s structure. The cardiovascular system will be inefficient with respect to circulation, leading to other organ dysfunction. Radiation in space, also known as cosmic radiation, is caused by many different celestial bodies such as stars, sun, supernovae, and black holes. The Earth’s magnetic field is a crucial component to protect humans from harmful radiation. However, once humans venture beyond the protective confines, the body becomes exposed to dangerous elements that pose a significant threat to safety. Living in microgravity also has detrimental effects on organisms’ brains. These include but are not limited to sustained effects on circadian rhythm, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive dysfunction. This article discusses the threat of premature aging during long- and short-term times in space due to high risks associated with space travel. Improvement of clinical intervention is hindered by a lack of research and development, which is needed to fundamentally address these risks.

Environmental Ethics in Islāmic Perspective: Relevance and Application

God has created all living and non-living things with a distinctive purpose. As the Sustainer of all, He has also arranged for each living organism a desirable environment that provides sustainable items. So, each life requires a sound environment for sustainability. Ecological studies help us understand organisms’ relationship to the environment around them. As God’s highest creation, humans have a close relationship with Nature to maintain and sustain their lives in vibrant caravans. The philosophical interpretations do accept the intimate relationship between humanity and Nature. However, our lifestyle is based on the rich consumption of resources, the development of new technologies and sciences for processing natural resources, burning fossil fuels, and discharging harmful radiation, which has alienated Nature from humanity. We can also point out other causes responsible for a radical break between human society and Nature. The Qur’ān and the Sunnah of the Prophet of Islām are the primary sources of all arts and thoughts. They may lead us to develop an Islāmic perspective on ecological crises and help us solve them. It is attempted here to understand some of the vital environmental phenomena in the light of these sources of Islām. There is intrinsic goodness, beauty, harmony and orderliness in the creation of God; everything in it, the sky and earth, including the sun, moon, stars, water, air, land and a thousand other things have been created for the benefit of man. The Creator created the universe with a Divine trust, which he had accepted and blessed to live in. He thanks God for all bestowed gifts practical in his entire gamut of human emotional life. From the Islāmic perspective, environmental ethics has become intrinsically relevant to dealing with all issues related to ecological crises. In the present paper, we are attempting to briefly discuss the Islāmic perspective on environmental ethics with particular reference to the Qur’ān and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad. It is assumed that the Islāmic framework on the said topic can also pave the way to bring out its relevance and application in crucial times. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#73-74; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2023 P 1-20

Predicting the acute aquatic toxicity of organic UV filters used in cosmetic formulations.

Organic UV filters are commonly used in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations to protect against harmful UV radiation. However, concerns have emerged over their potential toxic effects on aquatic organisms. This study aims to investigate the acute aquatic toxicity of 13 organic UV filters and determine whether phospholipid binding, measured through biomimetic chromatographic methods, is a better predictor of toxicity than the traditionally used octanol-water partition coefficient (log P). The chromatographic retention of the 13 UV filters was measured on an immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) stationary phase to assess phospholipid binding. These measurements were then applied to previously established predictive models, originally developed for pharmaceutical compounds, to estimate acute aquatic toxicity endpoints of 48-hour LC50 for fish and the 48-hour EC50 (immobilization) for Daphnia magna. Phospholipid binding was found to be a more reliable predictor of the acute aquatic toxicity of UV filters compared to log P. The toxicity was primarily driven by lipophilicity and charge, with negatively charged compounds exhibiting lower toxicity. The study demonstrates that phospholipid binding is a better descriptor of UV filter toxicity than log P, providing a more accurate method for predicting the environmental risk of these compounds. This insight can guide the development of more environmentally friendly sunscreens by reducing the use of highly lipophilic and positively charged compounds, thus lowering their aquatic toxicity.

Exploring Patient Preferences for Information About CT Radiation Exposure: Bridging the Gap Between Patient Preference and Physician Practice.

CT scan utilizes ionizing radiation poses a danger to the patient's health. Thus, telling the patient about ionizing radiation would be critical in promoting shared decision-making and improving patient-doctor communication. However, few studies have examined this topic broadly. The study was conducted to identify the frequency of physicians informing patients about the radiation risk before ordering a CT scan, as well as to examine the association between patients' demographic characteristics and their awareness of the radiation risks associated with CT scans. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 patients who had undergone CT scans at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via phone interviews using a structured questionnaire. Chi-squared tests were employed to assess associations between patients' demographic characteristics and their awareness of CT scan radiation risks. When examining knowledge, 58% of patients knew that CT involves harmful radiation. This knowledge was significantly associated with higher education level and previous experience with CT scans. Regarding doctors' practice of providing information to patients about the scan, 344 (88.9%) patients indicated that their doctor had explained to them why they needed the scan. Only 28 (7.2%) patients stated that their doctor had mentioned the amount of radiation, and 74 (19.1%) patients indicated that doctors mentioned the risks associated with the radiation of the scan. Almost all patients (96.9%) preferred to be told about why they needed a CT scan. The vast majority of patients who underwent CT scans did not receive enough information about the harm of the scans. However, most of them preferred to know about this harm.

Radiation shielding calculation for interventional radiology: An updated workload survey using a dose monitoring software

Shielding design is an essential aspect of radiation protection. It is necessary to ensure that barriers safeguard workers, patients, the general public, and the environment from the harmful radiation emitted by X-ray machines. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) 147 method is widely accepted within the radiation protection experts’ (RPEs) community for structural shielding design for medical X-ray imaging facilities. However, these indications are based on data collected in 1996. In recent years, interventional radiology procedures have seen significant developments. Therefore, it is important to evaluate whether updating the data on workload in the different specialities is necessary.We extracted all interventional radiology exposure data parameters from three angiographs from two vendors using dose monitoring software for 3066 procedures and 214,697 individual exposures. The workload distribution as a function of the kVp for five interventional rooms was calculated by summing all exposures and then normalising them by the number of patients.Analysing this data, we obtained new transmission curves through lead, concrete and gypsum wallboard, finding the parameters (α, β, and γ) in the Archer equation for the secondary radiation. Finally, our aim was to share an example of shielding calculations for haemodynamics and neuroangiography rooms to illustrate the impact of updated transmission data.