International Radiation Protection Association Research Articles

Validity of the 1984 Interim Guidelines on Airborne Ultrasound and Gaps in the Current Knowledge.

Airborne ultrasound is used for various purposes both in industrial and public settings, as well as being produced as a by-product by a range of sources. The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) published interim guidelines on limiting human exposure to airborne ultrasound in 1984, based on the limited scientific evidence that was available at that time. In order to investigate whether research since 1984 requires the development of revised exposure guidelines we considered (a) within the context of ultrasound exposure the relevance to health of the biological endpoints/mechanisms listed in the IRPA guidelines, (b) the validity of the exposure limits, and (c) whether there are biological endpoints/mechanisms not covered in the guidelines. The analysis of the available evidence showed that the biological endpoints that form the basis of the guidelines are relevant to health and the guidelines provide limits of exposure based on the evidence that was available at the time. However, the IRPA limits and their associated dosimetry were based on limited evidence, which may not be considered as scientifically substantiated. Further, there is no substantiated evidence of biological endpoints/mechanisms not covered by the IRPA guidelines. These two observations could mean that IRPA's limits are too low or too high. Research since the IRPA guidelines has made some improvements in the knowledge base, but there are still significant data gaps that need to be resolved before a formal revision of the guidelines can be made by ICNIRP, including research needs related to health outcomes and improved dosimetry. This statement makes a number of recommendations for future research on airborne ultrasound.

Looking back at International Radiation Protection Association 16: A tapestry of moments and milestones

Looking back at International Radiation Protection Association 16: A tapestry of moments and milestones

Women in radiation (WiR)—a perspective for the strengthening of radiation protection

Gender balance refers to the equitable treatment and access to opportunities for all genders. In order to achieve true gender balance, a variety of proactive approaches developed collaboratively, with insight from multiple perspectives, need to be implemented. With that purpose, the participation of women in professions related to radiation and radiation protection was prioritised and given high visibility by allocating a ‘Women in Radiation’ (WiR) Special Session at the 15th International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), hosted by South Korea on 20 January 2021. In this session, various issues related to gender balance and equity/equality were highlighted by the panellists, and further elaborated in a subsequent discussion with attendees. The main goal of the WiR Special Session was to convene women from different organisations, career and age stages, disciplines and countries, in particular to consider the Asian–Oceanic vision and status of gender equality, along with other topics to support a ‘Call for Action’, with concrete recommendations subsequently provided to IRPA. The discussion stressed the main needs and challenges faced by women working in various radiation fields, along with raising awareness of possible professional and employment opportunities. This paper identifies some steps necessary to encourage, enhance and support the inclusion of more diversity in nuclear professions with specific emphasis on women. In conclusion, gender balance and equality must be at the heart of any strategic plan for the future of the radiological protection profession; international cooperation between relevant bodies is essential for success and could serve as a catalyst for specific policy statements aimed at achieving a balanced representation of women in radiological protection.

The Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety—30 years of international coordination of radiation protection and safety matters

The Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety (IACRS) was constituted in 1990, as a forum for collaboration and coordination between international bodies with regards to radiation safety. It consists today of representatives of eight intergovernmental member organizations (the European Commision, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Labour Office, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/ Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA), Pan American Health Organization, United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and the World Health Organization) and five observer non-governmental organizations (International Commission on Radiological Protection, International Commission on Radiation Units & Measurements, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Radiation Protection Association and International Organization for Standardization). The IACRS provides a platform for interaction between these relevant international bodies to contribute to a common understanding of the scientific basis and legal framework for the application of the system of radiation protection, towards global harmonisation of radiation safety standards. The IACRS played a key role in the development of the International Basic Safety Standards (BSS) in 1996 and in its revision in 2014. Further, an IACRS specific Task Group—chaired by the IAEA—fosters the implementation of the BSS in a consistent and coherent manner in all Member States of the United Nations. The IACRS operates via a standing secretariat jointly provided by the IAEA and OECD/NEA and is chaired by one of its member organizations on a rotating basis for periods of about 18 months. This approach has proved to be effective and was the foundation for ensuring continuity of the work of the committee and at the same time allowing a rotating leadership for all member organizations. Currently, the IACRS is chaired by the WHO. The International Radiation Safety Framework under which the IACRS works is structured around four main areas: (a) science; (b) principles; (c) standards; and (d) practice. This paper presents briefly the mandates, roles and functions of the various international bodies that are relevant to the four above mentioned areas of work, discusses how these bodies coordinate their actions and complement each other to enhance radiation protection and safety worldwide and describes their contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The paper also provides an overview of the main accomplishments of the IACRS since its inception 30 years ago, and an outlook on key challenges for its future activities.

Key outcome summaries of the scientific programme of the IRPA15 congress

This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented at the 15th Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) as chosen by the scientific committee. All invited journal contributions are suitably expanded beyond the initial conference presentations to meet the criteria for a full journal article and include (a) presentation within a comprehensive radiological protection context and (b) additional data/interpretation. Published contributions address a wide spectrum of scientific topics and concepts to further develop the radiation protection (RP) system. They are based on scientific evidence and available experience in a wide spectrum of applications of the protection system. The IRPA is the international voice of the RP profession. It promotes excellence in RP by providing benchmarks of good practice, enhancing professional competence, and encourages the application of the highest standards of professional conduct, skills and knowledge for the benefit of individuals and society. Within the overarching theme of the conference ‘Bridging RP Culture and Science—Widening Public Empathy’ IRPA15 provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss and strengthen the relations between RP culture and science, and share developing scientific knowledge and related experience in RP among members of the scientific community, between representatives of key international organizations, including ICRP, IAEA, WHO, and NEA but also with the public. Some discussions focused on the rationale of available RP programmes and priorities, with an opportunity to identify and further develop key scientific issues of the current RP system as well as key processes for the interaction between members of the scientific community and society. The scientific programme of IRPA15 included eight topics and four thematic areas. The topical areas were: Underpinning Science; Dosimetry and Measurement; the System of Protection; Standards and Regulation; Practical Implementation—Medical Sector, as well as Industry and Research; Emergency Preparedness and Response; Existing Exposures and Non-ionizing Radiation. The thematic areas addressed were: Ethics; Communication and Public Understanding; RP Culture; Human Capital and Competency.

The future of our radiation protection profession

There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit, train and retain the next generation of radiation protection professionals. This challenge was the topic of a special session at the International Radiation Protection Association IRPA15 International Congress. It is necessary to address three key aspects: capturing the future professional: gaining RP knowledge and skills: addressing retention, development and career progression. We must support the flow of students into science-based topics and attractively promote our profession. The availability of university and other training courses, together with research opportunities, must be supported. Mentoring of young professionals is key, supported by empathetic seniors in the profession. The overall challenge necessitates cooperation across a wide range of organisations at both international and national level.

Radiation protection infrastructure—challenges in developing countries

A special session was held in the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) Congress to address the particular challenges facing developing countries regarding radiation protection infrastructure. The objective was to identify and share the key challenges facing developing countries regarding the ability to introduce and establish effective radiation protection programmes. The experiences of key international organisations (International Atomic Energy Agency, Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation) that have support programmes were discussed, along with a perspective from several countries with developing programmes. The key common challenges include: governmental commitment at senior levels, with provision of the necessary resources: establishment of an independent regulatory body and related infrastructure: appropriate numbers of qualified staff in all necessary fields, including their education and training: supporting physical infrastructure, such as dosimetry and measurement equipment including calibration laboratories. In addressing these challenges the importance of support from the key international organisations was emphasised. More emphasis should be given to the application of the graded approach. The establishment of support networks at a national or regional level that allow for the sharing of experiences and resources, and that support the wellbeing of isolated professionals, is also crucial. In this aspect the support from wider professional bodies such as IRPA and established national radiation protection societies can also play a key role.

IRPA practical guidance for engagement with the public on radiation and risk

The International Radiation Protection Association, IRPA, promotes the worldwide enhancement of professional competence, radiation protection (RP) culture and practice by providing benchmarks of good practice, as well as encouraging the application of the highest standards of professional conduct, skills and knowledge for the benefit of individuals and society. Enhancing public understanding of radiation and risk is highlighted by experiences from past emergencies, including the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011 and the following post-disaster recovery, as one of the most important challenges, and this challenge is common across almost all public interfaces regarding radiation and risk. To this end IRPA has been continuing a Task Group activity for Public Understanding since 2013. After a series of workshops in various regions of the world, the IRPA draft guidance was developed and issued for consultation of the Associate Societies in 2019. Through these processes, IRPA received a lot of helpful comments and suggestions. IRPA finally published ‘Practical Guidance for Engagement with the Public on Radiation and Risk’ on the IRPA website in October 2020. The objective of the guidance is two-fold. Firstly, it is to enthuse all of us in our profession to become more active public advocates for RP. Secondly, it is to provide information, experiences and techniques to help us to become more effective and comfortable in this challenging task. This paper provides a key summary of the published IRPA guidance.

The IRPA Young Generation Network: Activity Report from the Middle of 2018 to the Beginning of 2021

Since its establishment in 2018, the Young Generation Network (YGN) has been dedicated, with support of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), to a variety of activities to promote communication, collaboration and professional development of students and young professionals in the area of radiation protection and its allied fields. This article reports our recent activities from the middle of 2018 to the beginning of 2021, with highlights on some important events: “Joint JHPS-SRP-KARP Workshop of Young Generation Network” (December 2019 in Japan); contribution to “Nuclear Energy Agency Workshop on Optimization: Rethinking the Art of Reasonable” (January 2020 in Portugal); survey on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on radiation protection among IRPA YGN members (March 2020); and contribution to IRPA15 (15th International Congress of the IRPA; January–February 2021, online). The discussion and insight obtained from each activity are also summarized. The IRPA YGN will aim to achieve its on-going activities and continue to follow the ways paved in the Strategic Agenda and despite the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. Namely, running an international survey (for example, on the usage of social media in radiation protection, and on the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic), engaging national YGNs, extending the network, finding new relationships with networks with an interest in the young generation and participation in (remote) events will be aspired for.

DUŠAN SRDOČ (1929–2020): IN MEMORIAM

Dusan Srdoc was born on January 11, 1929, in Rijeka, Croatia. He graduated from the Technical Faculty of the University of Zagreb in 1953 and was employed at the Ruđer Boskovi´c Institute (RBI) in Zagreb, Croatia, where he founded a laboratory for the development and production of detectors of ionizing radiation.Dr. Srdoc and his team also developed and implemented the coupled vacuum preparation lines and electronic system for data acquisition and data evaluation. The Ruđer Boskovi´c Radiocarbon Laboratory, the first of this kind in southeastern Europe, was founded in 1968. During 1969 the whole system was tested, in 1970 the first radiocarbon dating results were obtained, and the next year they were published as Datalist I in Radiocarbon (Srdoc et al. 1971). The laboratory also implemented the measurement of tritium activity concentration by gas proportional counter, and both the multi-wire counter and the sample preparation line were produced by the laboratory staff. Dr. Srdoc was one of the founders of the Yugoslav Radiation Protection Association (YRPA) in 1963 and its first secretary. He represented Croatia and YRPA at the First International Congress on Radiation Protection in Rome in 1966. Later, this congress was recognized as the First International Congress of IRPA, the International Radiation Protection Association. We will remember Dr. Srdoc as a diligent and devoted scientist who initiated many new research topics at the Institute. For the current laboratory staff, his most important legacy is the founding of the Radiocarbon Laboratory, which is still in operation and following the top techniques and topics in the field. Dr. Srdoc taught us to look at our results from various standpoints, to question the conclusions, to not be afraid of the critics, and to continuously improve our knowledge and skills.

USING NEW TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS IN DEFINING SAFE RANGES FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The dangers of electromagnetic radiation occur when humans works in the operation, following and maintenance of the transforms which causes their exposure to the electromagnetic field for long periods of time, and also when transformers are placed in the residential buildings its fields affects the health of all those living in this building. This paper aims to study the environmental and health dangers caused by the electromagnetic fields produced by the medium voltage transformers found in or near the residential and services buildings. Because of all the fears from the electromagnetic fields many researches and studies were performed, the world health organization started an international project to evaluate the environmental and health effects caused by the electromagnetic field with its different frequencies, many authorities and organizations supported this project, The international Commission on Occupation Health (ICOH), The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB), The International Organization for Medical Physics (IMOP) The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), The International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES), and this project is referred to as the International Electromagnetic fields Project ( International EMF Project ) Despite all environmental and health dangers, and in spite of all the fears from these dangers, the Egyptian law of electricity no. issued on 2015 did not define any safe limits for the medium voltage transformers but only defined in statement 55 the safe limits for all types of cable lines, also almost all the electromagnetic fields studies concentrated on the study of effects of high voltage power lines and the mobile phone networks, but studies of the environmental and health dangers of the electromagnetic fields produced by medium voltage transformers are very rare.

15th International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association

15th International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association

Report of IRPA task group on issues and actions taken in response to the change in eye lens dose limit

In 2018, the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) established its third task group (TG) on the implementation of the eye lens dose limit. To contribute to sharing experience and raising awareness within the radiation protection community about protection of workers in exposure of the lens of the eye, the TG conducted a questionnaire survey and analysed the responses. This paper provides an overview of the results of the questionnaire.

The status of the radiation safety culture within the higher education, research and teaching sectors in the UK

This article reports on the research by a working group, comprising members from the Association of University Radiation Protection Officers, on the radiation safety culture in the UK higher education, research and teaching (HERT) sectors. The impetus for this research arises from the work of the International Radiation Protection Association and their emphasis that embedding radiation safety culture within an organisation is the most effective way of delivering the standards of radiation safety and security that society expects. The deficiency in radiation safety culture has been a large contributor to major nuclear disasters, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi. The working group designed an online survey aimed at higher education students, higher education academics, and researchers. The survey did not try to obtain an indication of safety performance, but of people’s views on behaviours and attitudes of radiation safety that reflect the current radiation safety culture in their organisation. The findings of the survey are reported in this article along with a discussion of the analysis and recommendations for improving radiation safety culture. The responses from the survey strongly indicate that the radiation safety culture in UK HERT sectors has worrying shortfalls, particularly in communication and training.

Safety impacts of electric potential and electromagnetic fields as result of faults in electric distribution system

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the impacts of electric potential (EP) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health, especially for those living or working near a distribution system, as a consequence of faults inside the distribution system supplied by an outdoor substation. A case study was carried out using a 115/22 kV substation and a 22 kV distribution system of Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), with simulated faults injected at the top of a pole of distribution lines located at three different locations. Two methods were proposed for EP and EMF reduction: 1) bonding the ground grid of the substation and the ground rod of the riser pole, and 2) connecting the overhead ground wires of the substation and that of the distribution system. The study results confirm that the two proposed methods offer practically effective problem-solving solutions for reducing EP, and they are therefore able to mitigate the risk of equipment damage. The spatial distribution of EMF measured in the vicinity of the distribution system was found to comply with the threshold set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), indicating that those living or working outside the substation were safe.

Establishment and Activities of Young Generation Network (IRPA YGN) in International Radiation Protection Association

Establishment and Activities of Young Generation Network (IRPA YGN) in International Radiation Protection Association

Compliance with Radiation Protection Principles in Radiotherapy Units

Background: One of the most harmful agents in hospital settings is ionizing radiation such as X-rays that physicians and other staff expose in surgeries and diagnostic tests. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure X-ray dose in the diagnostic radiology units of hospitals affiliated to North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study, in which all of the hospitals' diagnostic radiology units including CT scan, mammography, fluoroscopy and radiography were studied. X-ray dose was measured by a dosimeter-radiometer device (MKS-05 Terra-P). The International Radiation Protection Association (IAEA) checklist was used to check the observance of the Radiation Protection Principles. Results: The results of this study showed that the X-ray doses in the CT scan, mammography, and fluoroscopy units of Bojnord Imam Ali Hospital were 0.16, 0.08 and 0.01 μSv/h, respectively. The doses of X-ray in the radiology units of Imam Ali (PBUH), Imam Reza (PBUH), Esfarayen and Shirvan Hospitals were 0.12, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.11 μSv/h, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the X-ray doses in the diagnostic radiology units of hospitals were lower than the standard limit proposed by the International Radiation Protection Association. However, it is proposed to use appropriate protective lead aprons to further protect the exposed staff in the units in question.

Eye lens dose monitoring in the UK nuclear industry using active personal dosemeters

The reduction of the dose limit for eye lens from 150 to 20 mSv yr−1 must be implemented by EU member states by February 2018. Consequently, there is a requirement for all employers engaged with work with ionising radiation to have appropriate monitoring arrangements in place by this date to demonstrate that they can meet this new limit for all workers. Eye lens dose is conventionally monitored by specific dosemeters worn near the eye. However, it is usually impractical for these dosemeters to be worn at all times in the workplace which can lead to problems accounting for any periods of work when an eye lens dosemeter has not been worn. The Berkeley Approved Dosimetry Service provides a monitoring service for 22 nuclear sites in the UK using active personal dosemeters (APDs) for measuring Hp(10) and Hp(0.07). TLDs for extremity and eye are also issued as appropriate for the working conditions. An analysis of the data from 2007 to 2016 concludes that the values for Hp(0.07) as monitored indirectly by APDs worn on the trunk are comparable to the values assessed by specific Hp(3) eye TLDs. This paper sets out evidence that compliance with the 20 mSv dose limit for the eye lens can be demonstrated using routine issue APDs although specific eye TLDs may still be required to meet international guidance for non-uniform workplace fields. This evidence supports the recent statement from International Radiation Protection Association that ‘for the nuclear industry and other non-medical sectors the use of a whole body dosimeter is considered likely to be sufficient for the majority of workers’.

IRPA GUIDANCE-THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS, RADIATION PROTECTION CULTURE AND ETHICS IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.

The International Radiation Protection Association, IRPA, promotes the excellence in radiation protection by providing benchmarks of good practice, as well as enhancing professional competence and networking. In relation to emergency situations, including post-accident and recovery phases, a key issue is the ability of the system of protection to take a broader view of societal values, along with the need to develop processes which support and respect the dignity and well-being of the affected populations. Regarding the various situations of radiation exposure, IRPA's activities include aspects which can contribute to medical preparedness in radiation emergencies, focusing particularly on stakeholder engagement, radiation protection culture, the ethical dimensions of radiation protection and public understanding of risks. As it is a combination of science, experience, ethical and social values, radiation protection culture promotes radiation risk awareness in the different exposure situations, including the implementation of countermeasures in radiation and nuclear emergencies and post-accident situations, with attention also on medical countermeasures.

A History of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

Concern about health risks from exposure to non-ionizing radiation (NIR) commenced in the 1950s after tracking radars were first introduced during the Second World War. Soon after, research on possible biological effects of microwave radiation in the former Soviet Union and the U.S. led to public and worker exposure limits being much lower in Eastern European than in Western countries, mainly because of different protection philosophies. As public concern increased, national authorities began introducing legislation to limit NIR exposures from domestic microwave ovens and workplace devices such as visual display units. The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) was formed in 1966 to represent national radiation protection societies. To address NIR protection issues, IRPA established a Working Group in 1974, then a Study Group in 1975, and finally the International NIR Committee (INIRC) in 1977. INIRC's publications quickly became accepted worldwide, and it was logical that it should become an independent commission. IRPA finally established the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), chartering its remit in 1992, and defining NIR as electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet, visible, infrared), electromagnetic waves and fields, and infra- and ultrasound. ICNIRP's guidelines have been incorporated into legislation or adopted as standards in many countries. While ICNIRP has been subjected to criticism and close scrutiny by the public, media, and activists, it has continued to issue well-received, independent, science-based protection advice. This paper summarizes events leading to the formation of ICNIRP, its key activities up to 2017, ICNIRP's 25th anniversary year, and its future challenges.