Ionizing Radiation In Medicine Research Articles

Medical applications of ionizing radiation and radiation protection for European patients, population and environment

Medical applications of ionising radiation (IR) represent a key component of the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, guaranteeing efficient health care. The use of IR in medicine, the largest source of general population radiation exposure, is potentially associated with increased risk of cancer and non-cancer diseases, which needs to be evaluated to provide evidence-based input for risk-benefit considerations. Efforts are also needed to improve the safety and efficacy of medical applications through optimisation. The EC Euratom programme enhances research in medical radiation protection. The four complementary multidisciplinary projects presented here contribute to (1) improving knowledge on exposure and effects of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and (2) transferring results into clinical practice. The common aim is to optimise use for individual patients, enhance education and training, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, particularly related to technologies based on artificial intelligence. MEDIRAD, SINFONIA and HARMONIC focus on improving exposure estimation and studying the detrimental effects of diagnostic and therapeutic medical exposures in patients and staff using different endpoints. EURAMED rocc-n-roll brings together the results of the projects and the recommendations generated by them to build, in collaboration with the EU Radiation Protection research platforms, a strategic research agenda and a roadmap for research priorities.

Trends in ionizing radiation exposure of healthcare workers in France (2009-2019): the EXPERTS study

Abstract Background Health workers exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) account for +50% of workers exposed to artificial IR in France. Over the last 10 years, the use of IR in medicine has developed due to the introduction of new practices. The EXPERTS study aims to evaluate and characterize the trends in IR exposure of health workers in France between 2009 and 2019. Methods The study includes all health workers with at least one dosimetric record in the System for occupational dosimetry registration (SISERI) database for each of the years 2009, 2014, and 2019, in the 6 hospitals included in the study (in Paris & Bordeaux). Individual passive external doses, professional activity, age and gender were collected via SISERI and occupational medicine units. Doses were estimated from badges worn at chest level under the lead apron. Results 1,999 workers were included. Mean Hp(10) doses significantly decreased between 2009 and 2019 (-0.004 mSv/year; p < 0.05). Workers in Bordeaux hospitals were more exposed than those in Paris in 2009 and 2014, while trend was reversed in 2019 (p > 0.05). Doses in men were significantly higher than women's doses in 2009 and 2014 (p < 0.02), but were similar in 2019 (p = 0.99). Physicians had the highest mean IR doses between 2009 and 2019 (0.14mSv ±1.09), and more specifically surgeons and cardiologists, but their exposure tended to decrease in recent years. Radiological technologists have similar mean doses (0.14mSv ±0.38), relatively stable over the study period - the most exposed in the nuclear medicine unit (0.60mSv ±0.58). Conclusions IR exposure of health workers in France decreased significantly between 2009 and 2019, despite an increase in practices using IR - this decrease was partly recorded in orthopaedic surgeons. This may be related to radiation protection rules' application. However, badges may not always be worn properly. This study could be extended to other healthcare centres to study local specificities and to adapt radiation protection policies Key messages Despite the increase in medical practices using ionising radiations (IR), the average exposure of health workers to IR has decreased over the 10 last year, mainly in Bordeaux hospitals. Differences in average IR exposure were found by occupation, gender, health care units, and hospitals. Policies should use these results to promote radiation protection rules.

A report on progress towards new recommendations:A communication from the International Commission on RadiologicalProtection

Throughout the hundred-year history of the uses of ionising radiation inmedicine and industry there has been advice on the need to protectpeople from the hazards associated with exposure. Protection standardshave evolved throughout this period to reflect both the scientificunderstanding of the biological effects of exposure and the social andethical standards to be applied. The Main Commission of ICRP is nowconsidering a revised, simpler approach that is based on anindividual-oriented philosophy and represents a potential shift by theCommission from the past emphasis on societal-oriented criteria. Theinitial proposals were promulgated through IRPA and an open literaturepublication was published in the Journal of Radiological Protection inJune 1999. On the basis of comments received and the observationspresented at the IRPA-10 Congress in May 2000, the Commission isbeginning to develop the next recommendations. This article describes theissues involved in the preparation of the next recommendations andindicates the process that the Commission proposes to follow. TheCommission wishes there to be an on-going debate with an iteration ofideas over the next few years.