Industrial Radiographers Research Articles

Space: The Final Frontier-Research Relevant to Mars.

A critically important gap in knowledge surrounds the health consequences of exposure to radiation received gradually over time. Much is known about the health effects of brief high-dose exposures, such as from the atomic bombings in Japan, but the concerns today focus on the frequent low-dose exposures received by members of the public, workers, and, as addressed in this paper, astronauts. Additional guidance is needed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for planning long-term missions where the rate of radiation exposure is gradual over years and the cumulative amounts high. The direct study of low doses and low-dose rates is of immeasurable value in understanding the possible range of health effects from gradual exposures and in providing guidance for radiation protection, not only of workers and the public but also astronauts. The ongoing Million Person Study (MPS) is 10 times larger than the study of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors of 86,000 survivors with estimated doses. The number of workers with >100 mSv career dose is substantially greater. The large study size, broad range of doses, and long follow-up indicate substantial statistical ability to quantify the risk of exposures that are received gradually over time. The study consists of 360,000 U.S. Department of Energy workers from the Manhattan Project; 150,000 nuclear utility workers from the inception of the nuclear age; 115,000 atomic veterans who participated in above-ground atmospheric tests at the Nevada Test Site and the Bikini and Enewetak Atolls and Johnston Island in the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG); 250,000 radiologists and medical workers; and 130,000 industrial radiographers. NASA uses an individual risk-based system for radiation protection in contrast to the system of dose limits for occupational exposures used by terrestrial-based organizations. The permissible career exposure limit set by NASA for each astronaut is a 3% risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from cancer at a 95% confidence level to account for uncertainties in risk projections. The large size of the MPS will reduce the uncertainty in the risk estimates, narrowing the 95% confidence interval, and thus allow more time in space for astronauts. Further differences between men and women in their response to radiation can be more fully examined, and non-cancer outcomes, such as neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease, can be evaluated in a way not hitherto possible.

NCRP Vision for the Future and Program Area Committee Activities.

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) believes that the most critical need for the nation in radiation protection is to train, engage, and retain radiation professionals for the future. Not only is the pipeline shrinking, but for some areas there is no longer a pipe! When the call comes to respond, there may be no one to answer the phone! The NCRP "Where are the Radiation Professionals?" initiative, Council Committee (CC) 2, and this year's annual meeting are to focus our efforts to find solutions and not just reiterate the problems. Our next major initiative is CC 1, where the NCRP is making recommendations for the United States on all things dealing with radiation protection. Our last publication was NCRP Report No. 116, Limitation of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation, in 1993-time for an update. NCRP has seven active Program Area Committees on biology and epidemiology, operational concerns, emergency response and preparedness, medicine, environmental issues and waste management, dosimetry, and communications. A major scientific research initiative is the Million Person Study of Low Dose Radiation Health Effects. It includes workers from the Manhattan Project, nuclear weapons test participants (atomic veterans), industrial radiographers, and early medical workers such as radiologists and technologists. This research will answer the one major gap in radiation risk evaluation: what are the health effects when the exposure occurs gradually over time? Other cutting edge initiatives include a re-evaluation of science behind recommendations for lens of the eye dose limits, recommendations for emergency responders on dosimetry after a major radiological incident, guidance to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration with regard to possible central nervous system effects from galactic cosmic rays (the high energy, high mass particles bounding through space), re-evaluating the population exposure to medical radiation (NCRP Report No. 160, Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States, is over 10 y old, and computed tomography exams have increased substantially since then), and concerning whether the linear no-, threshold model is still the best available for purposes of radiation protection (not for risk assessment). We believe evaluation of heart disease and cerebral vascular disease following low-dose and dose-rate exposure is important for assessments of possible detriment from such exposures. We continue to seek the necessary resources to follow our quest to improve radiation protection for the public!

A cytogenetic biomonitoring of industrial radiographers occupationally exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation by using cbmn assay.

Industrial radiography is the process of using either gamma-emitting radionuclide sources or X-ray machines to examine the safety of industrial materials. The average annual effective dose in industrial radiography is one of the highest among radiation workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytogenetic effects of ionizing radiation in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 60 industrial radiographers and 40 non-exposed individuals as the control group by using cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Totally, the frequencies of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) were significantly higher in the industrial radiographers than in the controls (p=0.000). The mean MN frequency per 1000 binucleated cells in the industrial radiographers with last 5-y radiation dose of >100 mSv was significantly higher than those with ≤100 mSv (34.81±12.7‰ vs. 26.33±7.94‰, p=0.024). The effect of age was observed in the control group and subjects with the age of >30 y showed significantly higher MN frequency compared with the subjects with the age of ≤30 y (9.45±3.71‰ vs. 6.81±3.05‰, p=0.02). No obvious trend of increased MN as a function of either duration of employment or age or smoking status was observed in the industrial radiographers. The results show the increased levels of cytogenetic damages in the industrial radiographers. Even the workers exposed to the permissible doses are subjected to elevated frequencies of DNA damages. These findings confirm the importance of cytogenetic biomonitoring program beside physical dosimetry, surveying radiation safety of equipment and periodic training of workers for improvement of safety and radiation protection.

A root cause analysis of the high occupational doses of industrial radiographers in Iran

The Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority has investigated overexposure cases in industrial radiography over a period of three years. Radiographers with thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) records of more than 4 mSv in any 2 month routine monitoring period were asked to fill in a questionnaire explaining their points of view of the reasons for such relatively high doses. The responses showed that more than 50% of the radiographers did not agree with their recorded TLD doses, although the majority of the alternative explanations were weak. The main causes of overexposures were found to be difficult working conditions and ignoring safety principles while accidents or device failures were a minor contribution. Also, there was poor correlation between the TLDs and direct reading dosimeters worn by the radiographers, indicating that personal monitoring instructions were not being implemented appropriately.

Chromosomal aberrations and oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine as biomarkers of radiotoxicity in radiation workers

BackgroundThere are evidences of association between occupational radiation exposure, cytogenetic alterations and the increase in cancer rates. It is known that the probability of carcinogenesis is greater in populations exposed to radiation, since ionizing radiation can raise the frequency of chromosomal aberration and spontaneous mutations. ObjectiveOur purpose was to assess the role of chromosomal aberrations and oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as biomarkers of radiation injury in individuals occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Subjectsand Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 radiation workers and 30 healthy volunteers age and sex matched as control group who had never worked in radiation-related jobs. Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes were assayed by conventional cytogenetic technique and serum levels of 8-OHdG was measured by enzyme linked immunossorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe incidence of all types of chromosomal aberrations was significantly higher in all exposed groups than in controls with the highest rate of chromosomal aberrations in the industrial radiographers. Serum 8-OHdG in all radiation workers was significantly higher than in control group. There was a significant higher values among industrial radiographers compared to diagnostic radiologists or radiotherapists. Significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (M.C.V) was found among radiation workers versus the controls reflecting erythrocyte microcytosis. ConclusionsScoring of chromosome aberrations such as breaks, fragments and dicentrics is a reliable method to detect previous exposure to ionizing radiation. This type of monitoring may be used as a biological dosimeter instead of physical dosimetry.8-OHdG is a useful oxidative DNA marker among radiation workers and those exposed to environmental carcinogens.

Radiation safety of sealed radioactive sources.

Sealed radioactive sources are used in a wide variety of occupational settings and under differing regulatory/licensing structures. The definition of a sealed radioactive source varies between U.S. regulatory authorities and standard-setting organizations. Potential problems with sealed sources cover a range of risks and impacts. The loss of control of high activity sealed sources can result in very high or even fatal doses to members of the public who come in contact with them. Sources that are not adequately sealed and that fail can cause spread of contamination and potential intake of radioactive material. There is also the possibility that sealed sources may be (or threaten to be) used for terrorist purposes and disruptive opportunities. Until fairly recently, generally licensed sealed sources and devices received little, if any, regulatory oversight and were often forgotten, lost or unaccounted for. Nonetheless, generally licensed devices can contain fairly significant quantities of radioactive material, and there is some potential for exposure if a device is treated in a way for which it was never designed. Industrial radiographers use and handle high activity and/or high dose-rate sealed sources in the field with a high degree of independence and minimal regulatory oversight. Failure to follow operational procedures and properly handle radiography sources can and has resulted in serious injuries and death. Industrial radiographers have experienced a disproportionately large fraction of incidents that have resulted in unintended exposure to radiation. Sources do not have to contain significant quantities of radioactive material to cause problems in the event of their failure. A loss of integrity can cause the spread of contamination and potential exposure to workers and members of the public. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements has previously provided recommendations on select aspects of sealed source programs. Future efforts to provide recommendations for sealed source programs are discussed.

Dose reconstruction for the million worker study: status and guidelines.

The primary aim of the epidemiologic study of one million U.S. radiation workers and veterans [the Million Worker Study (MWS)] is to provide scientifically valid information on the level of radiation risk when exposures are received gradually over time and not within seconds, as was the case for Japanese atomic bomb survivors. The primary outcome of the epidemiologic study is cancer mortality, but other causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease will be evaluated. The success of the study is tied to the validity of the dose reconstruction approaches to provide realistic estimates of organ-specific radiation absorbed doses that are as accurate and precise as possible and to properly evaluate their accompanying uncertainties. The dosimetry aspects for the MWS are challenging in that they address diverse exposure scenarios for diverse occupational groups being studied over a period of up to 70 y. The dosimetric issues differ among the varied exposed populations that are considered: atomic veterans, U.S. Department of Energy workers exposed to both penetrating radiation and intakes of radionuclides, nuclear power plant workers, medical radiation workers, and industrial radiographers. While a major source of radiation exposure to the study population comes from external gamma- or x-ray sources, for some of the study groups, there is a meaningful component of radionuclide intakes that requires internal radiation dosimetry assessments. Scientific Committee 6-9 has been established by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) to produce a report on the comprehensive organ dose assessment (including uncertainty analysis) for the MWS. The NCRP dosimetry report will cover the specifics of practical dose reconstruction for the ongoing epidemiologic studies with uncertainty analysis discussions and will be a specific application of the guidance provided in NCRP Report Nos. 158, 163, 164, and 171. The main role of the Committee is to provide guidelines to the various groups of dosimetrists involved in the MWS to ensure that certain dosimetry criteria are considered: calculation of annual absorbed doses in the organs of interest, separation of low and high linear-energy transfer components, evaluation of uncertainties, and quality assurance and quality control. It is recognized that the MWS and its approaches to dosimetry are a work in progress and that there will be flexibility and changes in direction as new information is obtained with regard to both dosimetry and the epidemiologic features of the study components. This paper focuses on the description of the various components of the MWS, the available dosimetry results, and the challenges that have been encountered. It is expected that the Committee will complete its report in 2016.

Apoptosis , Cytogenetic and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Industrial Radiographers

Background: Radioactive sources and fixed or mobile X-ray equipment are used for both process and quality control in the metallurgical and fertilizer industries. Workers in the nuclear industry are a suitable sector of the populace for the direct estimation of radiation effects at low doses as they are typically monitored and restricted to effective doses of 100 mSv every 5 years. A dose-related increased mortality from circulatory diseases has been observed in some studies of nuclear industry workers, but it is unclear whether this reflects a real effect of radiation exposure or a spurious one. The aim of the present study was to detect the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood and the frequency of micronuclei (FMN) among industrial radiographers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation at the Steamer’s Welding Company and EL Nasr Company for the manufacture of Fertilizers and Chemicals in Suez and Talkha, Egypt. Material and Methods: Venous blood samples were obtained from 30 industrial radiographers exposed to x-rays during industrial procedures vs. 20 persons not exposed to ionizing radiation as control subjects. Blood samples were assayed for total and differential blood counts and cell phenotype of circulating EPCs, whose surface markers were identified as CD34, CD133 and kinase domain receptor (KDR), frequency of chromosomal aberrations (FCA), apoptosis percentage in circulating lymphocytes together with plasma stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results: The results of this study revealed a significant increase in FCA with respect to total number of dicentrics (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.0005 ± 0.0001) and rings (0.01 ± 0.0012 vs. 0) together with apoptosis percentage (7.3 ± 2.8 % vs. 2.4 ± 1.5 %) among industrial radiographers compared to control subjects respectively, indicating radiation exposure among such workers. Also a significant increase was observed in plasma SDF-1α (2750 ± 370 vs. 2270 ± 430pg/ml), VEGF (157.9 ± 16.9 vs. 137.5 ± 12.6 pg/ml) among industrial radiographers compared to control subjects. Percentage of circulating mononuclear cells expressing CD34 (53 ± 3.9 vs. 54.2 ± 10.6/ 105 mononuclear cells), CD133 (82.4 ± 4.8 vs. 54.2 ± 10.6/ 105 mononuclear cells) and KDR (48.7 ± 12.5 vs. 43.5 ± 8.2/ 105 mononuclear cells) was significantly higher among industrial radiographers compared to control subjects. Conclusion: It is concluded that the industrial radiographers have increased numbers of circulating EPCs and increased levels of SDF-1 and VEGF, which denotes an increased capacity for tissue repair.

Evaluating the performance of various segmentation techniques in industrial radiographs

Abstract At present, image processing concepts are widely used in different fields, such as remote sensing, communication, medical imaging, forensics and industrial inspection. Image segmentation is one of the key processes in image processing key stages. Segmentation is a process of extracting various features of the image which can be merged or split to build the object of interest, on which image analysis and interpretation can be performed. Many researchers have proposed various segmentation algorithms to extract the region of interest from an image in various domains. Each segmentation algorithm has its own pros and cons based on the nature of the image and its quality. Especially, extracting a region of interest from a gray scale image is incredibly complex compared to colour images. This paper attempts to perform a study of various widely used segmentation techniques in gray scale images, mostly in industrial radiographic images that would help the process of defects detection in non-destructive testing.

A novel approach for automatic region of interest extraction in industrial radiographic images

The increase in dearth of image analysis and interpretation in the field of remote sensing, communication, medical imaging, forensics and industrial inspection demands for a complete automated image processing system. Especially, automating the process of region of interest extraction is a great challenge as it depends completely on the domain information. Many of the researchers had attempted to automate the process of image interpretation and classification only. In particular, automating ROI extraction process in greyscale images containing weld defects had demonstrated great difficulty towards the accuracy. This paper attempted to address the issue of complete automation of greyscale image ROI extraction for further image analysis and classification. The attempt also outlines the necessity of segregating background and foreground images in industrial radiographs through a new intensity-based filtering method. A study is made to determine an appropriate segmentation method for different defect detection. In order to evaluate the designed methodology, industrial radiographs containing defects of welding process are considered.

La cataracte radio-induite professionnelle chez cinq radiographes industriels

The industrial uses of ionizing radiation in Tunisia are expanding, especially in industry and most particularly in the nondestructive testing of welds. Thus workers operating in the non-destructive testing of welds may develop a radiation-induced cataract varying in time to onset depending on the dose. To describe the characteristics of the radiation-induced cataract in patients exposed to ionizing radiation, determine the risk factors of radiation-induced cataracts. This was an anamnestic, clinical, and environmental study of five cases of radiation-induced cataract in workers employed in non-destructive testing of welds. This series of five cases had a mean age of 30.2 years and 5.53 years of work experience, ranging from 14 months to 15 years. All the patients were male and industrial radiographers specialized in nondestructive testing of welds. The average duration of exposure to ionizing radiation was 5.53 years. None of the patients had worn protective gear such as eye goggles. The ophthalmic check-up for the five special industrial radiographers showed punctuate opacities in three cases, punctiform opacities in one eye in one case, and phacosclerosis with bilateral lens multiple crystalline stromal opacities in a case of micro-lens opacities in both eyes with opalescence of both eyes in one case. These cataracts had been declared as occupational diseases. The value of a specialized ophthalmologic surveillance among these workers and the early diagnosis of lens opacities must be emphasized.

Status of industrial radiography incidents doses during the years 2005-2009 in Iran

The dose assessments of industrial radiographers who have been involved in radiation incidents in Iran during the years 2005-2009 are presented and discussed. All cases and events have been recognized by the regulatory body - National Radiation Protection Department of Iran as incidents based on the information declared by the Radiation Protection Officers. The registered dose values are in the range of 0 to 345 mSv.

A knowledge model for gray scale image interpretation with emphasis on welding defect classification—An ontology based approach

Image interpretation is the process of mapping the content of the image to a real world object that is easily understandable by any user. To perform any image interpretation, the image information is extracted through feature extraction and is then mapped to the known objects of any domain. In order to retain the extracted feature information of the domain for reusability, a proper modeling of the image content is required. This helps in maximizing the leverage of knowledge in image interpretation of specific domain through a computer interpretable model which results as a knowledgebase. This paper focuses on such a modeling for gray scale image interpretation emphasizing on welding defect classification which resulted in domain ontology of welding defects. Domain ontology is created by formalizing the information related to the gray scale image and its significance in welding defects. The developed system is evaluated using industrial radiographs to detect and classify welding defects.

Micronucleus-centromere assay and DNA repair gene polymorphism in lymphocytes of industrial radiographers

The micronucleus-centromere assay using a pan-centromeric probe was used to assess chromosomal damage in lymphocytes of 47 industrial radiographers occupationally exposed to low dose ionizing radiation and 47 controls. The influence of genotype of DNA repair genes ( XRCC1 399 , XRCC3 241 and XPD 751 ) on micronuclei (MN) frequency was also investigated. Centromere negative micronuclei (MNC−) frequency was significantly higher in radiographers than in controls, whereas similar centromere positive micronuclei (MNC+) frequency was observed in both groups. Poisson regression analyses revealed that the MNC− frequency was significantly associated with radiation occupational exposure and with cumulative-radiation doses in radiographers, after adjusting for confounding variables such as age, smoking, alcohol intake and genotypes. Compared to homozygous wild-type subjects, MNC− frequency in radiographers with variant XRCC3 genotype was significantly higher using univariate analysis. There were no differences in MNC− or MNC+ frequencies by genotype in controls. In conclusion, scoring of MNC− is a useful cytogenetic biomonitoring method for radiographers. Polymorphisms in XRCC3 might contribute to the increased genetic damage in individuals occupationally exposed to chronic ionizing radiation.

Case files of the University of Massachusetts Fellowship in Medical Toxicology: Three patients with an industrial radiography source exposure

Three male industrial radiographers, two aged 40 and one aged63, performed a routine inspection of an industrial radiographydevice (IRD). During the course of the inspection, they observedthat the radioactive source (a 93.4 curie iridium-192 source) hadincompletely retracted into the heavily shielded box. The expo-sure was reported to a Radiation Safety Officer who calculatedthe exposure as “18,000 roentgens to the hands and 8 roentgensto the whole body.” Based upon his recommendation, the threepatients presented to two local emergency departments (EDs)with a request for blood testing and initial evaluation. In the ED, all patients had normal physical exams with nor-mal complete blood counts. Medical personnel called the localPoison Control Center to learn if shaking the patients’ hands pro-duced exposure to radiation and whether any decontaminationwas needed. In addition, the Poison Control Center received callsfrom family members of the exposed patients and from the StateDepartment of Radiation Health.

Promoting the safety performance of industrial radiography using a quantitative assessmentsystem

The increasing number of industrial radiographers and their considerable occupationalexposure has been one of the main concerns of the Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority(INRA) in recent years. In 2002, a quantitative system of evaluating the safety performanceof licensees and a complementary enforcement system was introduced by the NationalRadiation Protection Department (NRPD). Each parameter of the practice isgiven a weighting factor according to its importance to safety. Assessment ofthe licensees is done quantitatively by summing up their scores using preparedtables. Implementing this system of evaluation showed a considerable decrease indeficiencies in the various centres. Tables are updated regularly as a result of findingsduring the inspections. This system is used in addition to enforcement to promotesafety performance and to increase the culture of safety in industrial radiography.

AN ANALYSIS OF VARIABLES INFLUENCING THE NUMBER OF RADIATION OVEREXPOSURE EVENTS IN TEXAS FROM 1970 TO 2000

Sources of radiation are used in a variety of modern work settings, including industrial, medical, research, and agricultural applications. Although regulatory controls exist to limit radiation exposures in these different settings, instances of radiation doses in excess of acceptable limits (referred to as overexposures) do occur. A unique study examined overexposure events in Texas over a 45-y period from 1956 to 2001. The primary purpose of the study was to characterize the factors associated with overexposure events. As part of this characterization, an interesting trend in the number of overexposures by year was observed, but not completely explained. The data revealed a dramatic increase in the number of overexposure events, followed by three apparent phases of decline. These declines are of particular interest because, while the increase and subsequent decrease in overexposures occurred, the number of permits to possess radiation sources in Texas generally increased over the same time period. This study focused on the identification of the factors that led to the trends in overexposure events. Data describing the reported overexposure events in Texas from 1970 to 2000 were obtained from the Texas Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control (TDH BRC) and entered into a computerized database. With the assistance of senior members of the TDH BRC, the three primary factors influencing the number of overexposures were identified. These included domestic oil and gas exploration and production from 1970 to 2000, wherein sources of radiation are employed in various operations; the establishment of a training and certification requirement for industrial radiographers during the period of 1986 to 1988; and modification of the applicable regulations between 1992 and 1994. The generally accepted indicator of oil and gas exploration and production activity, known as "rig count," is the measure of the number of active oil and gas exploration and production platforms at any given time. Rig count is a parameter of particular interest in Texas because the state's economy is significantly tied to the market value of this important natural resource. The rig count parameter was shown to have a strong correlation with overexposure events (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, the sources causing the overexposures indicate that the events stem primarily not from the oil and gas exploration activity itself, but rather from support activities in the form of industrial radiographic procedures. The number of overexposure events was also determined to be influenced by the imposition of the training requirement for radiographers and the modification of the applicable regulations (e.g., the elimination of the quarterly dose limit). The relative magnitude of these influences, however, was far overshadowed by the identified predominant predictor of rig count. The determination of rig count as the significant influencing factor in overexposure events is useful in possibly recognizing the potential for future occurrences of the same nature. This assessment also serves to highlight an apparent significant public health success story, as the number of overexposures per radioactive material licensee is shown to have declined significantly over the 30-y period of study. The factors contributing to this phenomenon are described to serve as a model for use in other settings.

Cytogenetic monitoring of industrial radiographers using the micronucleus assay

Industrial radiography is the process of using either gamma-emitting radionuclide sources or X-ray machines to examine the safety of industrial materials. Industrial radiographers are among the radiation workers who receive the highest individual occupational radiation doses. To assess occupationally induced chromosomal damage, we performed the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay in peripheral lymphocytes of 29 male industrial radiographers, exposed to ionizing radiation for 12.8 years±11.2 , in comparison with 24 gender-, age-, and smoking habits-matched controls. The CBMN assay was combined with fluorescent in situ hybridization with a pan-centromeric DNA probe in 17 exposed subjects and 17 controls randomized from the initial populations. The mean cumulative equivalent dose, recorded by film dosimeters, was 67.2 mSv±49.8 over the past 5 years. The mean micronucleated binucleated cell rate (MCR) was significantly higher in the industrial radiographers than in the controls ( 10.7‰±5.2 versus 6.6‰±3.1, P=0.009); this difference was due to a significantly higher frequency of centromere-negative micronuclei (C−MN) in exposed subjects than in controls ( 8.5‰±4.9 versus 2.2‰±1.6, P<0.001). The two populations did not significantly differ in centromere-positive micronuclei (C+MN) frequency. These findings demonstrate a clastogenic effect in lymphocytes of industrial radiographers. MCR significantly positively correlated with age in the two groups. After correction for the age effect, MCR did not correlate with duration of occupational exposure. No correlation between radiation doses and MCR, C−MN, and C+MN frequencies was observed. In addition to physical dosimetry records, the enhanced chromosomal damage in lymphocytes of industrial radiographers emphasizes the importance of radiation safety programs.

Risk perception by industrial radiographers: Hungary and the UK compared

Perceptions of risks from two groups of industrial radiographers, one from Hungary, (n = 45) and from the United Kingdom, (n = 29) were compared by the psychometric method. The comparison was made because both groups were at risk for high doses of ionizing radiation. We found the groups had similar demographic profiles but poor socio-economic conditions of Hungarians were associated with higher levels of emotional distress. Correlation HU-UK for personal and general risks were at a significant level for topics that included lifestyle and radiation risks. Perceptions of risks from radiation were small except for large personal risk from East European nuclear power plants. Knowledge of radiation risk intranationally was correlated positively with personal risk for UK radiographers and negatively for Hungarians. However, average overall risk perceptions from the same topic list for all radiographers did not differ significantly from a group (n = 1461) of UK citizens, though radiographer's risks from radiation were considerably greater. As a new lifesaving intervention it was proposed that radiation risk reduction could be achieved by genetic testing.

Diagnosis of acute localized irradiation lesions: review of the French experimental experience.

In the last 50 years several radiation accidents occurred in which industrial radiographers and others suffered severe radiation injuries from inadvertent contact with radiation sources. Such accidents involving acute localized injuries are characterized by a severe initial reaction progressing through erythema to skin necrosis with a spontaneous resolution of the lesion over a 2-mo period for the lower doses. However, the early symptoms observed on the skin give no indication as to the in-depth pathology, and cutaneous and muscular radionecrosis started generally from early epithelial, microvascular, and vascular lesions and from delayed muscular and connective tissue lesions. In a case of acute localized irradiation, different biophysical techniques are able to give real responses in biological dosimetry. More numerous are the methods, especially imaging methods, that make it possible for the clinician to evaluate the extent of the early injuries and to manage the medical intervention. We have developed animal experimental models of acute localized irradiation: overexposure to the gamma rays of a 192Ir industrial radiographic collimated source (in the pig and the rabbit) and overexposure to the beta rays of a 90Sr-90Y collimated source (in the pig). In these experimental models, most of the imaging techniques used in clinical practice, as infra-red thermography, microwave thermography, cutaneous and tissular vascular scintigraphy (beta or gamma emitters), cutaneous blood flow measurements by cutaneous laser Doppler, x ray computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and skin topography, were correlated with clinical evaluation and histopathological observations, after high doses of gamma or beta irradiations ranging from 4 to 340 Gy at the skin surface. All these techniques are not for isolated use and the present review indicates that their combination is necessary to give an improved diagnostic and prognostic picture of early and late delayed radiation damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues.