Radiation Protection Issues Research Articles

Quantitative stakeholder-driven assessment of radiation protection issues via a PIANOFORTE online survey

To enhance stakeholder engagement and foster the inclusion of interests of citizens in radiation protection research, a comprehensive online survey was developed within the framework of the European Partnership PIANOFORTE. This survey was performed in 2022 and presented an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to voice their opinions on research priorities in radiation protection for the foreseeable future. Simultaneously, it delved into pertinent issues surrounding general radiation protection. The PIANOFORTE e-survey was conducted in the English language, accommodating a diverse range of participants. Overall, 440 respondents provided their insights and feedback, representing a broad geographical reach encompassing 29 European countries, as well as Canada, China, Colombia, India, and the United States. To assess the outcomes, the Positive Matrix Factorization numerical model was applied, in addition to qualitative and quantitative assessment of individual responses, enabling the discernment of four distinct stakeholder groups with varying attitudes. While the questionnaire may not fully represent all stakeholders due to the limited respondent pool, it is noteworthy that approximately 70% of the participants were newcomers to comparable surveys, demonstrating a proactive attitude, a strong willingness to collaborate and the necessity to continuously engage with stakeholder groups. Among the individual respondents, distinct opinions emerged particularly regarding health effects of radiation exposure, medical use of radiation, radiation protection of workers and the public, as well as emergency and recovery preparedness and response. In cluster analysis, none of the identified groups had clear preferences concerning the prioritization of future radiation protection research topics.

Synthesis of the European ALARA network 20th workshop ‘ALARA for interventional radiology and nuclear medicine’

The European as low as reasonably achievable(ALARA) network regularly organises workshops on topical issues in radiation protection (RP). The topic of the 20th workshop was: ‘ALARA for interventional radiology (IR) and nuclear medicine (NM)’. The objective was to examine the challenges faced when applying the optimisation principle (ALARA) in IR and NM and to consider how ALARA could be better implemented for patient and staff exposures. This memorandum provides a synthesis of the workshop sessions, and recommendations coming from the working groups discussion. Parallels are drawn with the recommendations arising from the 13th EAN workshop on ‘ALARA and the medical sector (2011)’ to consider how the optimisation challenges in IR and NM have evolved over the past decade. Current levels of exposure are presented along with operational practice and the challenges and opportunities for improvement, both in monitoring and practice. Whilst RP challenges remain, the application of ALARA appears more established in IR compared with experiences reported in 2011. The application of ALARA to emerging technologies in the NM setting is in need of further development to ensure that RP is considered at all stages in the development process of new radiopharmaceuticals. Besides the obvious technical and operational aspects, the importance of education and training, human factors and broadly the RP ‘culture’ were deemed fundamental to the success of the application of ALARA and where further emphasis is needed. All concerned parties, medical physics experts (MPEs), radiation protection experts, clinical staff, manufacturers and regulators have a role to play in the application of ALARA and this is discussed in the memorandum. Many of the recommendations from the 13th EAN workshop remain applicable today and overlap with the recommendations arising from the 20th workshop. This should prompt attention given that the use of IR and the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for NM is only anticipated to increase with time.

Optimizing radiation exposure in dynamic radioactive environments: Dynamic ACO-RRT* path planning algorithm

Abstract Radioactive environments are often dynamic for various reasons, such as the dismantling of nuclear facilities, leakage of radiation sources, and nuclear accidents. Path planning in a dynamic radioactive environment is one of the important issues in radiation protection for nuclear facility workers. In traditional dynamic optimal path planning, there are phenomena, in which the optimal path is not found within the allowable time or the quality of the path searched within the allowable time is low. To solve this problem, we propose a hybrid algorithm that combines meta-heuristic and sample-based algorithms, called dynamic ant colony optimization-rapidly exploring random tree star (ACO-RRT*). A low-level grid optimal path consisting of grid vertices is obtained by the ACO algorithm, and then it is further refined by the RRT* algorithm. At every instant of environmental change, the vertices of the grid optimal path are divided into vertices with and without samples, and new samples are generated only around vertices without samples. Sampling optimization is performed only around the grid optimal path using new samples and already existing samples. Simulations in a virtual radioactive environment showed that the proposed algorithm reduces computational costs and improves the quality of the optimal path compared to traditional algorithms.

Meeting Notes of the Taiwan Neuroendocrine Tumor Society & Taiwan Society of Nuclear Medicine Joint Conference - Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy Targeting for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Basic Principles and State-of-the-art Clinical Practice

Abstract Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the basic principles and clinical applications, including the selection of proper candidates, follow-up strategies, and radiation protection issues relating to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Data Sources and Study Selection: We searched various scientific databases using specific keywords. Results: Due to the overexpression of somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), PRRT is currently considered an important therapeutic modality for the management of NETs. Conclusion: PRRT incorporates the systemic administration of a tumor-targeting radiolabeled peptide to patients with tumors, allowing for more precise delivery of radiation doses to tumor sites while sparing normal tissues.

Health Physics Aspects Associated with Magnetic Confinement Fusion Power Facilities

Bevelacqua Resources, 7531 Flint Crossing Circle SE, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 USA bevelresou@aol.com Health physics aspects associated with magnetic confinement fusion are addressed. These aspects are investigated within the context of the operation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor currently called ITER. ITER has health physics elements in common with existing fission facilities as well as unique fusion related features. Fusion facility neutron radiation is similar to that encountered in a low energy accelerator. The tritium hazard has radiation protection issues in common with the Canadian Deuterium reactor. Completion of the final ITER design, its performance characteristics, component lifetimes, and maintenance requirements will determine the actual health physics hazards. Numerous open issues are required to complete the design of ITER and resolution of these issues will affect the design as well as the health physics implications for occupationally exposed workers. Key Words: Fusion Power Facility, ITER, Magnetic Confinement, Radiological Characteristics

Communication of radiation protection issues

Communication of radiation protection issues

Effectiveness Management of Radiation Protection Program: A Short Review

An effective radiation protection program requires an effective oversight and feedback mechanism to management. A main objective of the radiation protection program is to decrease radiation doses wherever and whenever reasonably possible, hence lowering the health risk that is thought to be proportionate to the radiation dosage. Justification of operations requiring radiation exposure, as well as the use of minimal radiation exposure simply adequate for diagnostic and interventional procedures, should all be part of a radiation protection policy. National authorities must support the development and implementation of radiological safety and security in organisations that employ radiation sources. Maintaining a high level of competence is critical for the development of future safe ionizing radiation applications. Patients, physicians, and employees across many departments, including radiology, interventional cardiology, and surgery, are concerned about radiation safety. Radiation released during fluoroscopic operations is the source of the highest radiation dosage for healthcare workers. Radiation from diagnostic imaging modalities such as computed tomography, mammography, and nuclear imaging are minimal factors to healthcare personnel's cumulative dose exposures. Radiation exposure, on the other hand, poses a risk to both patients and healthcare professionals. The medical use of ionizing radiation is a huge and growing global activity. While the use of ionizing radiation in medicine provides enormous advantages to the worldwide population, the inherent hazards owing to stochastic and deterministic effects necessitate the need to safeguard patients from potential injury. Current issues in radiation protection of patients include not only the rapidly increasing collective dose to the global population from medical exposure, but also the fact that a significant percentage of diagnostic imaging examinations are unnecessary, and the cumulative dose to individuals from medical exposure is increasing.

Contact restriction time after common nuclear medicine therapies: spreadsheet implementation based on conservative retention function and individual measurements

The increasing use of new radiopharmaceuticals invites us to reconsider some radiation protection issues, such as the contact restriction time that limits public exposure by nuclear medicine patients. Contact restriction time should be patient specific and conservative, and its assessment made easy for clinicians. Here a method is proposed based on conservative estimation of the whole-body retention function and at least one measurement of the patient’s dose rate. Recommended values of the retention function are given for eight therapies: 131I (Graves’ disease, remnant ablation, patient follow-up, meta-iodobenzylguanidine), 177Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen and 177Lu-DOTATATE therapies, and 90Y and 166Ho microsphere injection of the liver. The patient line source model for scaling dose rate from one distance to another is included in the restriction time calculation. The method is benchmarked against published values and the influence of the dose rate scaling and whole-body retention function illustrated. A spreadsheet is provided, along with the source code, with recommended values for the eight therapies. The recommended values can be changed as well as the dose rate scaling function, and other radiopharmaceuticals can be included in the spreadsheet provided retention functions are defined.

Applicability of abrasive waterjet cutting to irradiated graphite decommissioning

Characterization, dismantling and pre-disposal management of irradiated graphite (i-graphite) have an important role in safe decommissioning of several nuclear facilities which used this material as moderator and reflector. In addition to common radiation protection issues, easily volatizing long-lived radionuclides and stored Wigner energy could be released during imprudent retrieval and processing of i-graphite. With this regard, among all cutting technologies, abrasive waterjet (AWJ) can successfully achieve all of the thermo-mechanical and radiation protection objectives. In this work, factorial experiments were designed and systematically conducted to characterize the AWJ processing parameters and the machining capability. Moreover, the limitation of dust production and secondary waste generation has been addressed since they are important aspects for radiation protection and radioactive waste management.The promising results obtained on non-irradiated nuclear graphite blocks demonstrate the applicability of AWJ as a valid technology for optimizing the retrieval, storage, and disposal of such radioactive waste. These activities would benefit from the points of view of safety, management, and costs.

FACTORS INFLUENCING FLUOROSCOPY TIME IN ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL ANEURYSMS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Patients who undergo endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may require prolonged radiation exposure affected by several factors. The objectives of this study were to document fluoroscopy time (FT) during EVAR and identify possible factors that influence it. A retrospective analysis of a 180 patients' database with abdominal infrarenal aortic aneurysms submitted to EVAR during a 7-y period was performed. The FT is evaluated regarding risk factors and comorbidities, graft type and patient-related, clinical and technical parameters. FT's median (interquartile range) was 1011 (698-1500)s. Excluder and C3 Excluder were associated with significantly lower FT values when compared with other grafts. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, age≥70y, maximum aneurysm diameter≥6cm and procedure duration ≥2h resulted in higher FT values. A significantly lower FT was found for the operations performed in the 7thy of the study's period compared with the previous 6y, mainly because of the use of Excluder or C3 Excluder grafts. However, these grafts did not show any significant difference in FT values during the 7y. A significant correlation between FT with age and procedure duration was found. Nevertheless, procedure duration is a poor FT predictor in linear and logistic regressions, although is significantly correlated with FT. Dyslipidemia, procedure duration and graft type are independent predictors of FT larger than the median, whereas only the procedure duration is a predictor for FT larger than the 75th percentile value. The identified factors regarding radiation protection issues should be considered when contemplating abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, however, without compromising the procedure's efficacy. Further work is necessary to identify more potential anatomical, clinical and technical factors affecting procedures' complexity and FT and patient radiation dose during EVAR interventions.

Simulation and design of an IPHI-based neutron source, first steps toward SONATE

Facilities providing bright thermal neutron beams are of primary importance for various research topics. At CEA-Saclay, a compact accelerator driven neutron source, SONATE, is investigated in taking advantage of the IPHI accelerator able to deliver a 3 MeV proton beam with an intensity up to 100 mA. To optimize the performances of such a neutron source, it is necessary to maximize the thermal neutron flux while minimizing the contribution of other particles. In this work, optimization has been performed using the Monte Carlo code TOUCANS, a neutron transport code based on Geant4 developed at CEA-Saclay. This latter has been coupled to PROMETHEE, a software allowing multi-objective optimization for many simulation software. In this work the Kriging metamodel based approach is used to optimize a neutron beamdump. To take into account the various constraints, noise on the detection system and radiation protection issues, several beamdump configurations are evaluated. The variation of beamdump parameters makes it possible to identify the set of optimal solutions, the Pareto front. It allows to focus on the set of best choices and to choose wisely the best configurations. After describing the validation of TOUCANS on experimental tests performed from 2016 to 2022, the capability of such an approach will be presented.

Radiation protection issues with novel radionuclide therapies: a real challenge.

Radiation protection issues with novel radionuclide therapies: a real challenge.

Radiation Protection Issues in Clinical Research Involving X-Ray Diagnostic Radiology Procedures

Aim: To review radiation protection issues in clinical diagnostic studies that involves the use of x-rays. The Issue: X-rays imparting low dose have some dominance in the use of ionising radiation (IR) in clinical radiological investigations. In good clinical diagnostic practice, with radiation effects anticipated to be wholly stochastic, it is simply not possible to be specific about risks to health other than to acknowledge an anticipated increase in probability with dose. Difficulties in making an assessment of risk can be further compounded given possible cumulative effects from previous exposures and from varying clinical state. Scientific Considerations: Clinically focused research involving IR and subjects (reviewed by ethics committees and other parties) necessarily involves assessment of the study protocol. In addition to the embodiment of radiation protection principles, the protocol must conform to the general ethical principles of beneficence, prudence, justice and dignity, all of which are important. The protection aspects arising from the use of radiation needs to be assessed by radiation experts, the safety of study participants needing to be weighed against the necessity for the study. This information must be fully explained to the participant as part of the process of seeking consent. In obtaining consent, the participant information sheet must be of an appropriate quality of language and possible specific risks provided in a transparent manner. Conclusion: In clinical studies that involve the use of IR, the study protocol must contain all relevant radiation protection measures. It is important that review of the protocol should involve IR experts.

New setup for measurement of prompt gammas from neutron interactions

Prompt gamma radiation from neutron interactions is an important issue as it affects the operation of nuclear facilities (radiation protection or gamma heating issues) or has various uses (non-destructive identification of elements). Despite of importance, its production is inaccurately described in present nuclear data libraries. Therefore, a set of experiments have been carried out focusing on this radiation - prompt gamma from neutron inelastic scattering on oxygen and prompt gamma from radiative capture on manganese, both present the form of an aqueous solution. The gammas were induced by the Am-Be neutron source (for oxygen) and 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron source (for manganese). In the case of oxygen, the present libraries can be used, but all the libraries tested overestimated the experiment by 20–30%, considering the experimental uncertainty of 6-9%. INDEN-4.0 library is giving the best results. In the case of manganese, none of the libraries tested give acceptable results. The INDEN updated data for gamma production on manganese give usable results, but there is still a discrepancy from -36% to 55% with uncertainties from 6-15%.

Радиационно-индуцируемое изменение массы наземного моллюска F. fruticum M. двух возрастных групп

There is a problem of a shortage of scientific data on radiation-induced effects in representatives of biota in connection with the expansion of the principles of the anthropocentric strategy of radiation protection. At the same time, international organizations on radiation protection issues support the initiative to study the effects of ionizing radiation not only on reference organisms, but also on other representatives of the biota. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of acute -irradiation on the biomass of the terrestrial mollusk F. fruticum M. two age groups to expand databases on radio-induced effects of biota. Mollusks are widely used in biological control of radioactive contamination, and the change in the mass of mollusks can be interpreted as a relevant indicator of "morbidity". The age of the mollusks was determined by the number of turns of the shell. Irradiation of mollusks was carried out in the range from 10 to 300 Gy in increments of 10 Gy. The study of the biomass index was carried out for 210 days after irradiation. The obtained results of a laboratory study for mollusks of the second and third age groups are part of an experiment aimed at identifying the features of radio sensitivity of representatives of terrestrial malacofauna. Throughout the experiment, in the control group (non-irradiated individuals), the dynamics of the mass of mollusks, characteristic of seasonal changes in natural conditions, is noted. At the same time, the absolute survival of animals in selected laboratory conditions is observed. Dose ranges with different manifestations of changes in the mass of mollusks were revealed. Radiation doses less than 100 Gy (second group) and 120 Gy (third group) do not induce a change in the studied indicator. Irradiation with doses of 110-150 Gy and 130-150 Gy initiates a decrease in the mass of mollusks of the second and third groups, respectively, during suspended animation. In the dose ranges of more than 150 Gy, a more complex dynamics of changes in the indicator was established depending on the time after irradiation and on the age group of mollusks. It is due to the peculiarities of the manifestation of radio sensitivity in animals of different ages.

Main challenges in radiation protection with emerging radionuclide therapies.

The recent development of radionuclide therapy and radioligand therapy has raised a call for achieving the highest quality standards, for either radiopharmacy or radiation protection. Novel radionuclides are now being used, either under the form of in-house production radiopharmaceuticals or available from companies. Over the last 20 years, they include radiolabeled microspheres for selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT), the introduction of the first commercially available alpha emitter radiopharmaceutical, 223Ra, and the radiosynoviorthesis which is highly variable across Europe. More important is the development of radioligand therapy, often called theranostics. In this concept, a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical can determine the chance of success of a therapeutic one. Typically, diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography, are labeled with 18F or 68Ga, such as the PSMA ligands or somatostatin analogs, and the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical is labeled with 177Lu. This has revolutionized the world of Nuclear Medicine, but also all concepts that shall be applied to properly apply quality assurance and radiation protection in the field. This article will follow the example of 131I as the main used radionuclide for therapy during the last 80 years. Proposals can be general, and in parallel expert's articles will give specific guidance on issues with particular radionuclides, i.e., alpha emitters and 177Lu. This article will also give insight in the radiation protection issues related to the use of microspheres radiolabeled with either 90Y or 166Ho.

A survey on radiation protection awareness at various hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan

PurposeTo assess the awareness level of radiation protection among the radiation workers (i.e. medical radiation technologists, medical physicists, and medical radiological professionals) at the selected radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy facilities in Karachi, Pakistan. Material and methodsThis survey was carried out in Karachi which has the largest number of hospitals, including radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy facilities in all Pakistan. In this double-blind survey, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to one hundred and sixty five (165) medical radiation workers at their respective workplaces. These radiation workers included the medical radiation technologists, medical physicists, and medical radiological practitioners. These radiation workers had varying experiences, training records, education, and fields of specialization. Out of these total 165 respondents, 84 belonged to the radiology facilities, 20 to nuclear medicine facilities, and 61 to radiotherapy facilities. The educational level was classified as less than 16 years, and equal to or greater than 16 years. Similarly, the training was classified as “attended” or “never attended” and the experience as less than five years, between 5 and 10 years, and greater than ten years. The data was processed through SPSS (v.20) against a significance level (P ≤ 0.05). ResultsThe statistical analysis of the survey indicates that the radiation workers in radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy facilities in Karachi have limited awareness of radiation protection issues. The overall outcome of the survey also concluded that the awareness regarding radiation effects, radiation warning signs, and annual dose limit is optimum. However, the response to the questions related to patient protection remained unsatisfactory. ConclusionThis study showed that most of the radiation workers who participated in the survey lacked appropriate awareness of radiation protection measures. The radiation workers did show a better understanding of basic radiation protection parameters, such as the annual dose limit and radiation effects. However, the radiation workers needed an overall improvement in radiation protection awareness, particularly, related to patient protection. This awareness and knowledge should be improved through systematic and periodic trainings.

Assessment of Awareness And Knowledge among Medical Students Regarding Radiation Exposure from Common Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

Objective: to assess the awareness and knowledge of our medical students regarding dose levels of imaging procedures and radiation safety issues, and to conclude how the curriculum of clinical radiology in the college medical program impacts such knowledge. Subjects and methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted among 150 medical students in Alkindy College of Medicine between January 2021 to July 2021, regardless of their age or gender. The study included six grades according to the year 2020-2021. A questionnaire consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions was conducted via an online survey using Google Forms. The questions were divided into two parts (awareness concerning issues of radiation protection, and information about dose levels of frequent radiological investigations). Results: Regarding their radiology knowledge, about one-third of all participants rated as average. Students who had not established training in radiology chose the inappropriate choice more often than individuals who had received training. Also, students without instruction/ teaching in diagnostic clinical radiology were more likely to connect MRI and ultrasound with an increased cancer possibility compared with those students receiving radiology teaching. About the desired educational method, 32% wanted a tutorial or workshops, 29% wanted a learning module, 25% chose a case study and 14% chose a lecture. Conclusion: With increasing years in medical school, the student’s alertness demonstrates better performance regarding the radiation exposures in imaging diagnosis. The greater part of medical students has inadequate knowledge about different aspects of radiation sources, hazard, and their safety. We think that adding more theoretical and practical programs to the educational radiology curriculum will advance awareness of radiation safety and increase knowledge among medical students regarding the doses of radiological examinations.

Integration of Islamic Personality in Radiation Protection Practice among Muslim Radiographers

This paper discusses the integration of Islamic personality elements in radiation protection practices. Although many guidelines have been introduced, however, non-compliance cases still occur. Personalizing Islamic Personality could give a solution to that particular issue. Furthermore, Islamic personality from Al-Ghazali's view in radiation protection practice may help in guiding Muslim radiographers to perform their professional and religious duty. Previous researchers have developed many Islamic personality tests. However, there is no developed Islamic personality test in medical imaging field. Therefore, there is a need to develop a specific Islamic Personality inventory to cater to the issue of radiation protection specifically. Keywords: Radiation protection, Muslim radiographers, Islamic Personality, Compliance eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i20.3341

A survey on knowledge, attitude, and practices of workplace radiation safety amongst anaesthesiology personnel in northern Indian tertiary care institutes.

Background and Aims:Exposure to ionising radiation to Anaesthesiology consultants, residents, technicians and nurses (Anaesthesiology personnel) is steadily increasing as a consequence of growing usage of imaging technology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of Anaesthesiology professionals (consultants, residents, technicians and nursing staff) working in three major tertiary care medical institutes in northern India regarding the existing knowledge, attitudes and practices of radiation safety at their workplaces.Methods:A printed and validated 30-point questionnaire was distributed. Questions were graded into the domains of demographics (6 questions), knowledge (9 questions), attitude (4 questions) and practice (11 questions). Data obtained from the responses was collated and analysed statisticallyResults:Out of the 403 questionnaires distributed, 222 were returned completed (55%). Majority of the respondents were residents (53.60%) and males (57.20%). Many were unaware of the principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), (70.7%) regarding collimators (65.85%) and their usage (41.9%). Maximum respondents stressed on the necessity of knowing the exposure dosage of radiations (89.2%) and were concerned regarding the same (87.8%). Lead apron was the commonest protection equipment and 97.3% of them were not using dosimeters. Highest levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices were demonstrated by the consultants. In terms of practices, the technicians fared better than the residents.Conclusion:Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding radiation protection issues and doses of radiological procedures is limited. Although all the cadres scored high on their attitude scores, the practice sector requires improvement.