Nuclear Medicine Workers Research Articles

Estimation of the Effective Radiation Dose in Nuclear Medicine Workers from Dhaka by Measuring Radioactivity in Urine Sample Resulting from Internal Exposure

This study estimates the effective doses and activity concentration from 151 urine samples which are collected from 15 (Fifteen) occupational workers at National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science (NINMAS) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The radioactivity concentration in urine sample is due to intake of I-131, Tc-99m and F-18. The samples have been analyzed using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The radioactivity of I-131 and Tc-99m was found 0.91 ± 0.26 BqL-1 to 504.49 ± 6.03 BqL-1 and 0.15 ± 0.21 BqL-1 to 191.19 ± 6.98 BqL-1 respectively. Radioactivity of F-18 was found from 0.031 ± 0.022 BqL-1 to 0.282 ± 0.065 BqL-1. The effective doses of occupational workers have been also calculated using the radioactivity concentration and the dose coefficient according to ICRP publication 78. Jagannath University Journal of Science, Volume 11, Number 1, June 2024, pp. 64−80

Assessment of foetal dose and occupational exposure for pregnant workers in nuclear medicine using the Taiwanese pregnancy phantom.

For pregnant workers in nuclear medicine, radiation doses can pose a risk to their foetus. However, foetal radiation doses cannot be measured directly. In this study, a method of estimating foetal radiation doses was developed through simulations and measurements of phantoms of pregnant women in the three trimesters. The uterus and abdominal surface doses for monoenergetic photons (137Cs) and medical diagnostic X-rays were measured, and uterine dose conversion coefficients (UDCCs) were calculated. The accuracy of the UDCC estimates were validated for measurements from thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) chips and TLD badges on the abdomen or chest. The foetal effective dose could be estimated using TLD chips and TLD badges on the abdomen or chest, or through literature estimation method. The proposed method can be used to easily and accurately estimate foetal effective doses from chest-worn TLD badges, ensuring accurate estimation in the early stage of pregnancy when a worker may not yet be wearing an abdominal badge. A flowchart for applying the UDCC method to approximate a foetal dose is also provided to ensure that total doses remain below the maximum of 1mSv recommended in the International Commission on Radiological Protection 103 guidelines.

Occupational eye lens dose among nuclear medicine workers in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background: Exposure to ionizing radiation remains a major concern in nuclear medicine, especially given the possible health risks posed to medical personnel. Additionally, since the occupational eye dose limit was lowered in 2011 to an equivalent dose of 20 mSv/yr, new implications have extended to roles within nuclear medicine units. The goal of this investigation was to determine the current occupational radiation eye doses for nuclear medicine employees. Methods: A 5 yr retrospective assessment was performed on staff members involved in all nuclear medicine imaging from different categories. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) badges were used to measure occupational dose. The H-lens values were calculated for each staff member during this period. Results: Significant differences were observed between individual staff members in terms of H-lens values. They were significantly higher among hot lab technicians than among NIC (p < 0.001) and NM (p < 0.0001) technicians. Conclusions: Although none of the participants exceeded the eye dose limit for ionizing radiation exposure, there was significant variation in exposure across various roles and expertise. The annual average eye dose ranged from 0.2 mSv to 2.9 mSv, which is within the advised dose limit.

Occupational health risk recognition, evaluation, and management of radiation workers in Gansu province, China

ObjectiveIn order to protect the health of radiation workers, scientific management of radiation workplace protection is implemented, and occupational health risks of radiation workplaces in Gansu Province, China are identified and evaluated through monitoring. MethodsThe basic situation of occupational health management of radiological workers in 1366 radiological diagnosis and treatment institutions was investigated, and 596 monitoring hospitals were selected for occupational health monitoring. Using a 2-IN∗2-in NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its supporting software, internal thyroid irradiation monitoring was performed. Fifty-one underground workers in a deep mine iron mine were selected to monitor the effect of high radon exposure. Results11 (6%) monitored hospital interventional radiology staff detected lead outside the aprons between 5 mSv and 20 mSv during a single monitoring period; In nuclear medicine, radiation monitoring in the thyroid detected 3(15%) people with doses between 5 mSv and 20msv.The chromosome aberration rate and Detection rate of posterior pole subcapsular opacification of interventional radiation group and nuclear medicine group was higher than that of conventional radiation group, and the difference between interventional radiation group and conventional medicine group was statistically significant. Abnormal detection of tumor markers in serum after sustained radon exposure accounted for 39.2% of NSE(neuron-specific enolase), 22.5% of SCC(squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen), and 5.9% of CyFRA21-1(cytokeratin 19 fragment), respectively, chest low-dose CT showed plaque and stripe shadow in 21 cases (41.2%) and nodules in 16 cases (31.4%). ConclusionIndividual dose monitoring found that radiation workers engaged in interventional radiology were exposed to higher doses and had higher occupational risks. The results of occupational health examination show that there is a certain degree of radiation injury in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine workers. Nuclear medicine radiation monitoring results show that some workplaces have radioactive contamination. The radon exposure of deep mine miners has a higher occupational risk of lung cancer caused by high radon.The analysis of chromosome aberration is an important index of occupational health monitoring of radiation workers.

Object and person tracking systems to enable extremity dosimetry in nuclear medicine using computational methods

Nuclear medicine (NM) professionals are potentially exposed to high doses of ionising radiation, particularly in the skin of the hands. Ring dosimeters are used by the workers to ensure extremity doses are kept below the legal limits. However, ring dosimeters are often susceptible to large uncertainties, so it is difficult to ensure a correct measurement using the traditional occupational monitoring methods. An alternative solution is to calculate the absorbed dose by using Monte Carlo simulations. This method could reduce the uncertainty in dose calculation if the exact positions of the worker and the radiation source are represented in these simulations. In this study we present a set of computer vision and artificial intelligence algorithms that allow us to track the exact position of unshielded syringes and the hands of NM workers. We showcase a possible hardware configuration to acquire the necessary input data for the algorithms. And finally, we assess the tracking confidence of our software. The tracking accuracy achieved for the syringe detection was 57% and for the hand detection 98%.

Occupational skin dose from radionuclide contamination: one country's approach at standardising skin dose estimates using Varskin.

The manipulation of unsealed radiopharmaceuticals by healthcare workers can cause accidental personal contamination leading to occupational radiation skin dose. The UK Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 require that potential skin doses arising from reasonably foreseeable accident scenarios are included in risk assessments. Workers must be designated as classified if these dose estimates exceed 150 mSv equivalent dose averaged over 1 cm2. Updates from the UK Health and Safety Executive recently prompted many in the UK to review the classification of workers in Nuclear Medicine. Skin dose from contamination cannot be measured, it must be estimated. Varskin+ is a code that is widely recommended for estimating skin dose. The subjective choices made by users when defining modelled scenarios in Varskin+ lead to significant variation in the calculated skin doses. At the time of writing there is no definitive calculation method and all calculations rely on theoretical models. NHS Health Boards in Scotland have adopted a standardised framework for performing skin dose estimates for risk assessments. The parametric sensitivity of Varskin+ inputs were examined and the available evidence was reviewed. Generic, reasonably forseeable, worst-case accident scenarios were decided upon for: direct skin contamination, glove contamination and needlestick injury. Standardised inputs and assumptions for each scenario were compiled in a protocol that has been adopted by the Scottish Health Boards. The protocol allows for differences in practice between departments, but standardises most inputs. While significant uncertainty remains in the estimated skin doses, this approach reduces variation and enables the comparison of estimated skin doses between departments. The framework facilitates continuous improvement as more evidence is gathered to refine the standardised assumptions. Task by task skin dose estimates were made for workers in Nuclear Medicine in Scotland and many workers were designated classified as a result.

Radiation exposure assessment of nuclear medicine staff administering [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE with active and passive dosimetry

BackgroundThe use of lutetium-177 (177Lu)-based radiopharmaceuticals in peptide receptor nuclear therapy is increasing, but so is the number of nuclear medicine workers exposed to higher levels of radiation. In recent years, [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE has begun to be widely used for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours. However, there are few studies evaluating the occupational radiation exposure during its administration, and there are still some challenges that can result in higher doses to the staff, such as a lack of trained personnel or fully standardised procedures. In response, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of occupational doses to the staff involved in the administration of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE.ResultsA total of 32 administrations of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE (7.4 GBq/session) carried out by a physician and a nurse, were studied. In total, two physicians and four nurses were independently monitored with cumulative (passive) and/or real-time (active) dosemeters. Extremity, eye lens and whole-body doses were evaluated in terms of the dosimetric quantities Hp(0.07), Hp(3) and Hp(10), respectively. It was obtained that lead aprons reduced dose rates and whole-body doses by 71% and 69% for the physicians, respectively, and by 56% and 68% for the nurses. On average, normalised Hp(10) values of 0.65 ± 0.18 µSv/GBq were obtained with active dosimetry, which is generally consistent with passive dosemeters. For physicians, the median of the maximum normalised Hp(0.07) values was 41.5 µSv/GBq on the non-dominant hand and 45.2 µSv/GBq on the dominant hand. For nurses 15.4 µSv/GBq on the non-dominant and 13.9 µSv/GBq on the dominant hand. The ratio or correction factor between the maximum dose measured on the hand and the dose measured on the base of the middle/ring finger of the non-dominant hand resulted in a factor of 5/6 for the physicians and 3/4 for the nurses. Finally, maximum normalised Hp(3) doses resulted in 2.02 µSv/GBq for physicians and 1.76 µSv/GBq for nurses.ConclusionsIf appropriate safety measures are taken, the administration of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE is a safe procedure for workers. However, regular monitoring is recommended to ensure that the annual dose limits are not exceeded.

Research on radiation sensitive biomarkers and status of radiation safety literacy under low dose irradiation: Radiation biomarkers and radiation safety culture

ObjectiveTo analyze the health status and radiation sensitivity index of radiation workers in provincial, county and township hospitals. To explore the methods of evaluation indicators, evaluation standards and scoring principles of radiation safety culture in medical institutions. MethodsIn 2021, the radiation safety status of all 172 medical institutions in a city was investigated by using retrospective investigation, current situation investigation and laboratory study. The occupational health monitoring data of all 1547 radiation workers were statistically analyzed, and the radiation safety status and health indicators of radiation workers in provincial, county and township level hospitals were compared. ResultsThe results of occupational health monitoring of radiation workers showed that there were statistically significant differences in ALT, lens opacity (P < 0.05) and lymphocyte micronucleus (P < 0.05) between the two groups, and there were statistically significant differences in the influence of radiation service on the detection rate of lens opacity (P < 0.05). The survey results of radiation safety culture construction in medical institutions show that there are differences in the level of radiation safety culture in hospitals of different grades. The radiation safety culture construction of provincial and municipal public hospitals is obviously better than that of county hospitals, especially township hospitals. ConclusionInterventional radiologists and nuclear medicine workers engaged in iodine therapy were exposed to higher radiation agents, and radiation workers in township health centers were not aware of radiation protection, and there was a certain occupational risk. At the same time, the evaluation index of radiation safety literacy in medical institutions was determined, Disease prevention and control personnel stationed in hospitals is an effective measure to strengthen the construction of radiation safety culture in hospitals.

Biological response to the continuous occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and radionuclides

Purpose Antineoplastic drugs and radioiodine are recognized occupational risk factors affecting the genetic material of exposed persons. To assess cytogenetic damage and evaluate the presence of chromosomal instability during occupational exposure, a biomonitoring study was performed using a chromosomal aberration assay and a cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) test. Materials and Methods Blood samples from 314 healthy donors divided into 3 groups (control, exposed to antineoplastic drugs and exposed to radioiodine) were collected and cytogenetically analyzed. Results There was an increase in almost all analyzed parameters registered in the exposed persons. Chromatid breaks were higher in the subjects exposed to antineoplastic drugs, while dicentrics and premature centromere division (PCD) parameters were higher in nuclear medicine workers. The total number of micronuclei was higher in both groups of the exposed. The correlation analysis indicated the association of dicentrics, acentrics, chromosome and chromatid break with PCDs in both groups of the exposed, and micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges with PCDs in the subjects exposed to radioiodine. The discriminant analysis marked off PCD1-5 as the best predictor of exposure. Age, sex, sampling season and duration of exposure significantly influenced the analyzed parameters, while smoking habits did not show any influence. Conclusion Based on the observed results, premature centromere division can be considered a valuable parameter of genotoxic risk for individuals occupationally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation.

Chromosomal Aberrations, Micronuclei, Blood Parameters and Received Doses in Workers Exposed to Ionizing Radiation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of low doses of ionizing radiation on healthcare workers using dosimeter data and several biomarkers of effects, and to asses the suitability of those tests. Data from the last medical examinations, obtained from the medical records of 148 employees were analysed. They were divided into three groups: nuclear medicine, interventional radiology and general radiology. The examination included hematological parameters and cytogenetical tests: unstable chromosomal aberrations (UCA) and micronucleus test (MNT). The received cumulative 5-year dose was calibrated into personal dose equivalents Hp(10). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the UCAs (c2=6.634, p=0.036) with the highest UCA frequency in nuclear medicine. The ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the values of erythrocytes (F(2,140)=3.715, p=0.027), monocytes (F(2,127)=3.326, p=0.039) and platelets (F(2,135)=4.209, p=0.017), with higher erythrocytes and lower platelets in interventional radiology and lower monocytes in nuclear medicine, all with small effect size. The dose was significantly different among the groups (c2 =22,191; p<0.001). The nuclear medicine workers received a higher dose compared to interventional radiology (U=458, p<0.001) and general radiology (U=510.5, p<0.001). Nuclear medicine employees are at a higher risk of developing neoplastic and blood-related diseases due to consistent exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. Results suggest that UCA test might be more suitable for detecting radiation-induced damage at low doses than MNT. Compulsory monitoring of the health status at periodic examinations is required to prevent occupational diseases, esp. among the nuclear medicine workers.

Trend and distribution analysis of occupational radiation exposure among medical practices in Chongqing, China (2008-2020).

The personal dose levels of medical radiation workers in Chongqing from 2008 to 2020 were investigated and analysed. The results showed that a total of 68379 people were monitored from 2008 to 2020. The number of radiation workers increased year by year, and the number of female radiation workers increased rapidly. The monitoring data were analysed by Mann-Whitney test, Mann-Kendall test and Bonferroni method. The annual mean effective dose from 2008 to 2020 showed a decreasing trend (P<0.0001). At the 5% significance level, six occupational categories showed a significant decreasing trend (P<0.0001).The average annual effective dose for medical radiation workers in Chongqing in 2020 was 0.4482mSv and 94.73% of radiation workers received annual doses less than the public dose limit (1mSv). Personal dose monitoring results for most radiation workers were low. The protection of radiation workers in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine should be concerned.

Extremity exposure of nuclear medicine workers: results from an EANM and EURADOS survey.

Extremity exposure during the handling of unsealed radioactive sources is a matter of concern for nuclear medicine workers. Next to 99mTc and 18F, other radiopharmaceuticals have seen an increase in their use over the last decade. However, limited information on their impact on extremity dose is available. This study aimed to gain insight into the status of extremity exposure and dose monitoring in Europe. A survey was conducted at the end of 2020 among the European Association of Nuclear Medicine community. It contained 24 questions considering department characteristics, worker tasks, dosimeter use, typical worker extremity dose, department workload for selected radionuclides (99mTc, 18F, 68Ga, 177Lu, 90Y) and protective measures. A total of 106 replies were received, 92% of which were from Europe. About half of the respondents were from academic hospitals. Ninety-nine departments implement extremity dose monitoring for a total of 1335 workers. Most workers (95%) wear a ring dosimeter, generally on the non-dominant hand, and 44% on the index finger. Monthly doses were generally low (median values at different ring position: 0.4-1.8 mSv), although higher doses were reported (20.8-38.8 mSv). About 1/3 of workers performed the full task range (preparation, dispensing, and administration). Administration is associated with significantly lower extremity doses. Interestingly, no correlation between department workload and collective dose was found. The adoption of vial and syringe shielding, as well as distance tools, was common. The workers dispensing 99mTc without syringe shielding or PET nuclides without automated system received a significantly higher dose. Handling 68Ga, 177Lu and 90Y did not appear to have an impact on the reported doses. Protective measures play a significant role in lowering extremity doses, while department workload and more recently introduced radionuclides seem not to be major dose determinants.

Radiation dose assessment for nuclear medicine workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Nuclear medicine (NM) is an essential radiology department in healthcare facilities. In NM procedures, radioactive isotopes are administered intravenously or orally to assess the molecular, metabolic, physiologic, anatomical and pathologic states of the body for diagnostic therapy and research applications. The annual dosimetric records of 269 nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) and 132 nuclear medicine nurses (NMNs) from 2016 to 2021 are collected in four major medical centres. Personal radiation doses in NM departments are monitored on a quarterly basis using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). The TLDs used have an approximate tissue equivalence of 8.14 and a density of around 2.64 g cm−3. TLDs are read using WinREMS software and a Harshaw 6600 plus reader. In this study, only Hp (10), which estimates the effective dose, is included in the analysis. The result showed that the NMTs and NMNs’ overall mean effective dose during the study period were 1.06 ± 0.60 mSv (0.06–3.26 mSv) and 0.92 ± 0.70 mSv (0.01–5.52 mSv), respectively. The result of our study found lower values of annual mean effective doses compared to previous studies conducted in Saudi Arabia. The dosimetric records show that the mean effective dose among both workers were below the permissible dose limits, which suggest a safe work environment in term of radiation protection practices.

Thyroid dose assessments due to inhalation of 131I for nuclear medicine workers.

In general, medical staff who work in nuclear medicine should be entirely safe in their professional environment. Nevertheless, we already know that the working environment of the nuclear medicine staff is not completely safe due to the handling of high amounts of radionuclides for diagnostic and therapy applications, which is especially relevant for 131I (as a non-sealed source). The goal of this study was to assess the inhaled 131I thyroid dose in nuclear medicine workers and to introduce a simple method for internal exposure monitoring. Using 2-IN*2-in NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its supporting software (InSpector Maintenance Utility and Genie 2000), from 2019 to 2021, internal thyroid irradiation monitoring, an internal thyroid irradiation monitoring investi A NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its sugation was carried out for 3 consecutive years, between 2019 and 2021, in staff members of nuclear medicine departments engaged with iodine therapy. 131I activity was found highest in the thyroid of nuclear medicine workers involved with the manual packaging and delivery of the radioisotope, while it was not detected in staff members involved with the automatic packaging and drug delivery. The activity range was found to be 30.00 ± 6.60-6070.00 ± 1335.40 Bq for the exposed personnel, and the estimated dose was 0.05-6.77 mSv. In 2021, three workers had an annual equivalent dose above 5 mSv. By monitoring the thyroid 131I in staff members of the nuclear medicine department, it was found that there are 131I internal occupational exposure risks. The best solution is automatic packaging and drug delivery.

Assessment of Radiation Exposure Dose for Nuclear Medicine Workers from 18F-FDG, 99mTc MDP, and 99mTc.

Nuclear medicine or diagnostic radiology personnel are always exposed to low-level radiation from radionuclides used in medical diagnostics, which lead to potential biological hazards or effects. External exposure for workers in two nuclear medicine centers was measured by recruiting 120 patients. Three nuclear medicine examinations were performed using F18-FDG PET/CT,99mTc- MDP bones scan, and 99mTc thyroid scan by a digital radiation dosimeter. The average received accumulative radiation dose for workers was found to be 0.838±0.17, 0.527±0.11, and 0.270±0.05 µSv for F18-FDG PET/CT, 99mTc-MDP bones scan, and 99mTc thyroid scan, respectively. The annual effective dose for workers was estimated to be 2.09±0.42, 1.34±0.27, and 0.68±0.14 mSv, respectively. Moreover, the average patient-to-staff dose coefficients were found to be 0.024±0.005, 0.003±0.001, and 0.007±0.002 µSv m2/MBq h for F18- FDG PET/CT, 99mTc-MDP bones scan, and 99mTc thyroid scan, respectively. It is clear from the results that the radiation doses received by workers during the nuclear medicine imaging examinations were less than the doses recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for such examinations.

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 extremity exposure to technologists working manually with 99mTc-labelled radiopharmaceuticals and with an automatic injection system for 18F-FDG

The hands of nuclear medicine (NM) personnel involved in radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration can receive significant radiation doses. The dose distribution across the hand is nonuniform and the Hp(0.07) doses obtained by an individual passive ring dosimeter do not always present a real situation. The aim of this study was to assess the extremity exposure of NM workers working with 99mTc-labelled radiopharmaceuticals and with an automatic IRIDE (COMECER, Italy) 18F-FDG injection system. Hp(0.07) doses were measured using calibrated thermoluminescent dosimeters-100 (TLD-100) and were read by a RIALTO TLD (NE Technology) reader. It was found that the most exposed parts of the hand during work with 18F and 99mTc radionuclides are the fingertips of the thumb, index finger and middle finger. The maximum fingertip doses were 1.3–2.4 times higher compared with the doses from the typical monitoring position (base of the middle finger of the dominant hand). When working with 99mTc, the average hand doses were relatively high, i.e. 0.17 ± 0.04 and 0.37 ± 0.13 mSv Gbq−1 for the left and the right hand, respectively, during preparation, and 58 ± 20 and 53 ± 13 µSv GBq−1 for the left and the right hand, respectively, during administration of 99mTc labelled radiopharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, the lowest doses were found for hands during administration of 18F-FDG (average hand dose 28 ± 13 µSv GBq−1 for the left hand and 28 ± 7 µSv GBq−1 for the right hand), which shows the advantages of automated injection/infusion systems, thus implementation of automatic infusion/injection in hospitals could be an expedient way to optimize Hp(0.07) doses to NM workers.

Medical occupational dose to the skin based on Hp(0.07) measured by thermoluminescent dosimeter: A Saudi national study

The most recent investigations of the data on atomic bomb survivors have showed excess relative risk for the incidence of non-melanocytic skin cancer. On the basis of this data, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) proposed an occupational dose limit for skin for occupationally exposed workers (500 mSv), which would provide an adequate protection against radiation risks. This study aimed to estimate the annual occupational dose for skin in terms of equivalent doses for medical workers in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, dentistry, and operation rooms. In this study, a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD-100) was used to obtain dose records of 41,180 medical workers for five consecutive years (2015–2019). The TLDs used in this study estimated the skin-dose equivalent at a depth of 0.07 mm, referred to as Hp(0.07). The annual mean Hp(0.07) received by skin averaged over the study period for diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, dentistry, and operation room workers were found to be 0.85 ± 0.63 mSv, 0.88 ± 0.58 mSv, 1.64 ± 0.29 mSv, 0.84 ± 0.35 mSv, 0.81 ± 0.54 mSv, and 0.70 ± 0.44 mSv, respectively. A one-way ANOVA results showed significant differences in annual mean Hp(0.07) among workers (F [5,41174] = 63.69, p = 0.000). Overall, the annual mean Hp(0.07) to the skin was well below the occupational dose limit. Since the relationship between exposure to low-dose ionising radiation and cancer risk has not yet been fully determined, compliance with radiation safety protocols and personal doses should be periodically assessed in any radiological department to keep radiation exposure to staff ALARA.

Occupational radiation dose assessment for nuclear medicine workers in Turkey: A comprehensive investigation

ObjectiveRadioisotopes are used extensively in nuclear medicine. Analysis of occupational doses received by medical radiation workers, especially nuclear medicine staff dealing with radioisotopes, contributes significantlyto enhancing safe practice and promoting radiation protection measures in the radiology department. The current study aimed to determine the time trend and the differences in occupational radiation dose among nuclear medicine workers. MethodsReadings of 394 OSL dosimeters were obtained from 31 medical workers and grouped into five worker groups (technologist, physician, nurse, radio-pharmacist, and radio-physicist). ResultsThe average number of workers dropped to 4.5 in 2020 and 2021 compared to 14.4 in 2014 to 2019. The average annual effective dose and skin dose for all workers based on measurements for a typical yearly workload of 5000 patients were 1.21 (±1.15) mSv and 2.86 (±1.32) mSv, respectively. The highest average annual effective and skin dose was 5.41 and 5.82 mSv, respectively. The NM technologist working in PET/CT received higher mean and maximum effective and skin doses than the other worker groups. ConclusionThe annual effective and skin doses were below the national legislation and international standards. However, improvements in radiation protection practices could be implemented to reduce occupational radiation dose to NM technologists, the most exposed worker group in this study.

Health hazards from chemical substances and ionizing radiations

Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to probe the DNA-damaging effects and hence the risk of cancer can emerge. This small cohort study aimed to evaluate the lifetime fatal cancer risk (FCR) and non-fatal cancer risks (NCR) from IRs and compared them with the risks of other chemical substances (Nickel, Arsenic, Benzene &amp; Asbestos) in nuclear medicine (NM) workers of the INMOL cancer hospital, Lahore. The procedure for the FCR and NCR risk calculation was followed through the guidelines of ICRP and UNSCEAR using probability coefficient. A high-capacity TLD reader was used to calculate whole-body AAED (annual average effective dose) (mSv). All occupational cancer risks were compared with the risks from other chemical substances through the Mann-Whitney U test. The FCRs were decreased from 7.854 10-4 to 3.836 10-4, similarly NCRs were also decreased from 1.57 10-4 to 7.672 10-4 in NM workers from 2015-2019. The fatal/non-fatal cancer risks from IR in INMOL hospital workers were found considerably lower than the risks from other carcinogenic substances. Significant differences existed between the IR fatal/non-fatal cancer risks with the risk values of other chemical substances. The standard risk value (2.80 10-2) of IR dose-effect can be used to compare the lifetime cancer risk from the other chemical substances in the occupational workers who are continuously being exposed to toxic substances occupationally.