Occupational Radiation Exposure Research Articles

Long-term LDR exposure may induce cognitive impairments: A possible association through targeting gut microbiota-gut-brain axis

Environmental and occupational low-dose radiation (LDR) exposure may be harmful for health but the previous reports regarding effect of LDR on cognition are contradictory. Here we investigated the effect of long-term LDR exposure on cognition. In this study, male Balb/c mice’ cognitive functions were tested at 15 weeks after being exposed to 0.5 Gy LDR in 10 fractions at each dose of 0.05 Gy. The results demonstrated that long-term LDR exposure increases escape latency and the time spent in finding exits in mice compared with non LDR exposure. Meanwhile, the inflammation-related proteins including NFκB and p38 also increased. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels decreased following long term LDR exposure. Treatment with microbiota-derived LPS and SCFAs reversed these effects in mice. Furthermore, the gut barrier integrity was damaged in a time-dependent manner with the decreased expression of intestinal epithelial-related biomarkers such as ZO-1 and occludin. Mechanistically, long after exposure to LDR, increased LPS levels may cause cognitive impairment through the regulation of Akt/mTOR signaling in the mouse hippocampus. These findings provide new insight into the clinical applications of LDR and suggest that the gut microbiota–plasma LPS and SCFAs–brain axis may underlie long-term LDR-induced cognition effects.

Assessment of Whole-Body Occupational Radiation Exposure in a Gamma Irradiation Facility (2009-2018) in Abuja, Nigeria

Individuals working in both radiological and nuclear facilities are often exposed to sources of ionizing radiation resulting in some level of occupational hazards. Appropriate levels of radiation protection of workers are essential for the safe and justified use of radiation, radioactive material and nuclear energy. Occupational exposure to radiation workers in a Gamma Irradiation Facility has been analysed for a 10 year period between 2009 and 2018. The data from 2009-2018 were used to compute the average annual effective dose and the annual collective dose. The results show that the total deep dose, Hp (10), received by the radiation workers for the ten year period ranged between 10.21 mSv to 16.05 mSv with a mean of 13.97 mSv. It also showed that the average annual effective dose ranged between 0.65±0.04 mSv to 1.98±0.30 mSv with a mean of 1.51±0.42 mSv. The Collective dose ranged between 10.92 man.Sv to 33.66 man.Sv with a mean of 23.76±8.32 man.Sv. This shows that the risk due to radiation exposure of the workers is within the recommended and regulatory limits.

The use of micronucleus assay in oral mucosa cells as a suitable biomarker in children exposed to environmental mutagens: theoretical concepts, guidelines and future directions.

In the last decades, the micronucleus assay has been recognized as a suitable biomarker for monitoring populations exposed to many different occupational factors, lifestyle, environmental conditions, radiation exposure, and deleterious effects of pesticides. The objective of this work is to direct the design of future field studies in the assessment of the risk of children exposed to environmental mutagens, radiation, and pesticides. This review sought available information on the analysis of micronuclei in oral cells in children. A literature search for papers investigating DNA damage, genetic damage, oral cells, buccal cells, genotoxicity, mutagenicity and micronucleus was begun in 2000 and is scheduled to be concluded in May, 2022. Briefly, a search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for a variety of articles was performed. The results showed that there are still few studies that addressed micronuclei of oral cells in children exposed to the most diverse environmental conditions. Only environmental pollution was associated with damage to the genome of oral cells in children. Therefore, researchers need to be calibrated in cell analysis, standardization of field study protocols and the development of new research in the evaluation of children using the micronucleus test as a tool in child biomonitoring.

ITER Test Blanket Module—Engineering Investigations for Port Cell Pipe Forest Replacement

The ITER Test Blanket Modules (TBMs) are installed and operated inside the vacuum vessel (VV) at the equatorial ports located within port plugs (PP), and each of them includes two TBMs. After each plasma operation campaign, the TBM research plan testing program requires the replacement of the TBMs by new ones during the ITER long-term shutdown (LTM). The replacement of a TBM requires the removal/reinstallation of all test blanket system (TBS) equipment present in the port cell (PC), including those in the port interspace called pipe forest (PF). The TBS equipment in PC shall be designed so that occupational radiation exposure can be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) over the life of the plant to follow the ITER Policy. To implement ALARA process requirements, a design shall consider careful integration assessment since early phase to address all engineering aspects of the replacement sequence. The design of the TBS equipment in PC shall optimize the reconfiguration operation by including human factor considerations and providing adequate space. Provisions for dose reduction measures (DRMs) considering protection means and minimization of occupancy times in radiation fields are also investigated by assessing remote technics to reduce operator exposure. This article describes engineering investigations for optimized PF replacement operations in various engineering fields. Results on the design of the TBS equipment in the TBM-PC are discussed. The PF design shall implement nuclear engineering aspects. Design options shall demonstrate constructability and maintainability meaning compliance with ALARA process and adequate construction codes (RCC-MRx, EN 13480). TBM-PP replacement sequence drives several elements of the TBM-PC component design and associated integration. Concepts are discussed with regard to nuclear engineering and operation aspects. Use of prototyping demo, including virtual reality (VR), will support the preliminary validation during the system engineering process in order to prepare the full-scale mock-up validation phase.

Circulatory disease mortality among male medical radiation workers in South Korea, 1996-2019.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between occupational radiation exposure and circulatory disease (CD) mortality among medical radiation workers. The study included 53 860 male diagnostic medical radiation workers enrolled in the National Dosimetry Registry (NDR) between 1996 and 2011 in South Korea. NDR data were linked with mortality data obtained from the national registry at the end of 2019. Observed CD mortality rates in this population were compared to those in the general population using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The relative risk (RR) for occupational history was estimated by use of internal comparisons, and the excess relative risk (ERR) was used to quantify the radiation dose-response relationship. A total of 320 deaths due to CD were identified among 53 860 male medical radiation workers. The SMR of CD was significantly lower among male workers than the general population. A linear dose-response model provided an estimated ERR per 100 mGy for CD [0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.11-1.82], ischemic heart disease (1.18, 95% CI -0.69-3.05), and cerebrovascular disease (0.23, 95% CI -0.48-0.94) with a 10-years lag, showing no statistical evidence of a radiation dose-response relationship. Additional adjustments for non-radiation factors did not affect the findings on occupational radiation risk for CD mortality. Sensitivity analyses excluding workers employed <1 year or who had exposure to a cumulative badge dose of ≥1 mSv showed similar results. Occupational radiation doses were non-significantly positively associated with CD mortality among male diagnostic medical radiation workers. However, cautious interpretation is needed due to the limitations of short follow-up.

Occupational radiation exposure assessment during the management of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC

BackgroundSince it was first approved in Europe in 2016, the gallium-68 (68Ga) radiopharmaceutical [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC has been widely used for imaging of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positive tumours using positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT). Significant patient benefits have been reported, so its use is rapidly increasing. However, few studies have been published regarding occupational doses to nuclear medicine personnel handling this radiopharmaceutical, despite its manual usage at low distances from the skin and the beta-emission decay scheme, which may result in an increased absorbed dose to their hands. In this context, this study aims to analyse the occupational exposure during the administration of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC for PET/CT imaging. For this purpose, extremity, eye lens and whole-body dosimetry in terms of Hp(0.07), Hp(3) and Hp(10), respectively, was conducted on six workers with both thermoluminescent dosimeters, and personal electronic dosimeters.ResultsThe non-dominant hand is more exposed to radiation than the dominant hand, with the thumb and the index fingertip being the most exposed sites on this hand. Qualitative analysis showed that when no shielding is used during injection, doses increase significantly more in the dominant than in the non-dominant hand, so the use of shielding is strongly recommended. While wrist dosimeters may significantly underestimate doses to the hands, placing a ring dosimeter at the base of the ring or middle finger of the non-dominant hand may give a valuable estimation of maximum doses to the hands if at least a correction factor of 5 is applied. Personal equivalent doses for the eyes did not result in measurable values (i.e., above the lowest detection limit) for almost all workers. The extrapolated annual dose estimations showed that there is compliance with the annual dose limits during management of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC for diagnostics with PET in the hospital included in this study.ConclusionsImaging with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC is a safe process for the workers performing the administration of the radiopharmaceutical, including intravenous injection to the patient and the pre- and post-activity control, as it is highly unlikely that annual dose limits will be exceeded if good working practices and shielding are used.

Knowledge Regarding Ionizing Radiation Exposure Safety Among Orthopedic Surgeons at Hospitals in Al-Madinah.

Background and objective The use of radiation imaging techniques in operation theaters is essential fornumerous surgical procedures and patients' overall well-being. Radiation imaging techniques enable the surgeon to have a real-time visualization of the anatomy and to perform operations with a greater chance of success, decrease rates of patient morbidity, and enablesurgeons to obtain imaging records before the patient leaves the theater room. However, with the increased use of imaging techniques in orthopedic surgical operations, orthopedic surgeons are being exposed to higher levels of radiation, and hence they can be classified as a high-risk group for occupational radiation exposure. This study aimed to assess orthopedic surgeons'awareness and knowledge regarding radiation exposure safety. Materials and methods Aquestionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 to assess the knowledge regarding ionizing radiation exposure safetyamong orthopedic surgeons, including consultants, specialists, and residents, at both private and governmental hospitals in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Al-Madinah (approval number: H-03-l.l-084). The applied statistical tests were frequency and MCT tests for univariate variables while Chi-square was applied for bivariate variables. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), a p-value of more than 0.05 was used as the cut-off value for the significance level. Results A total of 57 surgeons participated in the study, of which 57.9%were exposed to radiationtwo to three times per week. Additionally, more than half of the physicians (66.7%) were not trained to use fluoroscopy (C-arm machine). Of note, 78.9% of orthopedic surgeons reported that they used the protective apron as protective equipment, while 17.5% of them used both a protective apron and thyroid shield. However, only less than half of the orthopedic surgeons(43.9%) in our study practiced radiation safety in the operating room. Conclusion Our study revealed a lack of knowledge and awareness related to ionizing radiation exposure safety among orthopedic surgeons in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia.

Association Between Radiation Exposure and Family History of Cancer: Analysis of an Online Risk Assessment Tool

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Radiation exposure (RE) is recognized to contribute to risk of cancer, particularly leukemias and thyroid/ breast cancers (TC, BC), which may take years to manifest clinically. RE may include occupational hazards, accidents, and medical procedures. Risk of cancer after RE is multifactorial and impacted by RE dose, biologic factors, heredity, younger age, and female sex. This study examines the relationship between FH of TC, leukemia, or BC and individual behaviors demonstrating precautions to reduce RE. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> The OncoLink Reduce My Risk tool was created in 2009 to provide users personalized cancer risk data based on demographics, risk factors, risk-associated behaviors, and FH. This free tool is accessible at www.oncolink.org. IRB-exempt data analysis involved a convenience sample of all survey responses. Differences between respondents with vs without radiation exposure were analyzed using chi-square test. <h3>Results</h3> Among 28,001 total respondents, 682 (2.44%), 1,573 (5.62%), and 6,849 (28.35%) reported FH of TC, leukemia, and BC, respectively. Of those, 475 (69.65%), 1,072 (68.15%), and 4,907 (71.65%) were female, and the median age was 24 (IQR 19-34), 26 (IQR 19-37), and 27 (IQR 20-38), respectively. Those with FH of these cancers were significantly more likely to report rural residence. For respondents with FH TC vs those without, occupational RE was significantly more common (p = 0.01) while RE through a radiation accident was slightly more common (0% vs 0.44%, p = 0.08). For respondents with FH leukemia vs those without, REs (occupational or accidental) were slightly more common (1.27% vs 1.04%, 0.51% vs 0.42%, p = NS). FH BC did not impact RE. For the total cohort, those who reported RE from an accident were significantly more likely to be non-White (p = 0.02), possess a sub-high school education (p < 0.01), and report a household income below $45,000 (p<0.01). Occupational RE was not associated with income or education, although it was significantly more common in non-White individuals (p < 0.01). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Respondents who demonstrated FH of radiation-associated cancers did not achieve lower RE as a risk mitigation measure, and in some cases had higher incidence of RE than those without FH. The incidence of RE events was significantly more common in populations of lower SES. These findings identify RE as an under-recognized social determinant of health and highlight the importance of patient counseling and structural assistance to reduce cancer incidence through targeted preventive interventions.

Application of a semi-automated dicentric scoring system in triage and monitoring occupational radiation exposure.

The dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) is considered the gold standard for radiation biodosimetry, but it is limited by its long dicentric scoring time and need for skilled scorers. The automation of scoring dicentrics has been considered a strategy to overcome the constraints of DCA. However, the studies on automated scoring methods are limited compared to those on conventional manual DCA. Our study aims to assess the performance of a semi-automated scoring method for DCA using ex vivo and in vivo irradiated samples. Dose estimations of 39 blind samples irradiated ex vivo and 35 industrial radiographers occupationally exposed in vivo were estimated using the manual and semi-automated scoring methods and subsequently compared. The semi-automated scoring method, which removed the false positives of automated scoring using the dicentric chromosome (DC) scoring algorithm, had an accuracy of 94.9% in the ex vivo irradiated samples. It also had more than 90% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to distinguish binary dose categories reflecting clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiological significance. These data were comparable to those of manual DCA. Moreover, Cohen's kappa statistic and McNemar's test showed a substantial agreement between the two methods for categorizing in vivo samples into never and ever radiation exposure. There was also a significant correlation between the two methods. Despite of comparable results with two methods, lower sensitivity of semi-automated scoring method could be limited to assess various radiation exposures. Taken together, our findings show the semi-automated scoring method can provide accurate dose estimation rapidly, and can be useful as an alternative to manual DCA for biodosimetry in large-scale accidents or cases to monitor radiation exposure of radiation workers.

Physician Radiation Exposure During Endomyocardial Biopsy and Right Heart Catheterization

Cardiologists performing coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at risk of health problems related to chronic occupational radiation exposure. Unlike during CA and PCI, physician radiation exposure during right heart catheterization (RHC) and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) has not been adequately studied. The objective of this study was to assess physicians' radiation doses during RHC with and without EMB and compare them to those of CA and PCI. Procedural head-level physician radiation doses were collected by real-time dosimeters. Radiation-dose metrics (fluoroscopy time, air kerma [AK] and dose area product [DAP]), and physician-level radiation doses were compared among RHC, RHC with EMB, CA, and PCI. Included in the study were 351 cardiac catheterization procedures. Of these, 36 (10.3%) were RHC, 42 (12%) RHC with EMB, 156 (44.4%) CA, and 117 (33.3%) PCI. RHC with EMB and CA had similar fluoroscopy time. AK and DAP were progressively higher for RHC, RHC with EMB, CA, and PCI. Head-level physician radiation doses were similar for RHC with EMB vs CA (P = 0.07). When physicians' radiation doses were normalized to DAP, RHC and RHC with EMB had the highest doses. Physicians' head-level radiation doses during RHC with EMB were similar to those of CA. After normalizing to DAP, RHC and RHC with EMB were associated with significantly higher physician radiation doses than CA or PCI. These observations suggest that additional protective measures should be undertaken to decrease physicians' radiation exposure during RHC and, in particular, RHC with EMB.

177Lu-Dotatate administration using an infusion pump or a peristaltic pump: comparison of two methods

Objectives177Lu-oxodotreotide (Lutathera) is an intravenous peptide receptor radionuclide therapy to treat unresectable metastatic digestive neuroendocrine tumours. The recommended method for Lutathera administration is gravity infusion; however, other appropriate and safe...

Assessing the need for radiation protection measures in artisanal and small scale mining of tantalite in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria

There is concern that work scenarios on the tantalite mining sites in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria may cause occupational radiation exposure of workers due to enhanced concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in some process materials. A prior radiological assessment of the mining activities was carried out to determine if and which exposure scenarios may require radiation protection measures. Samples of the materials involved, comprising tantalite (tantalum ores), soil and waste rock were collected and analyzed for activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, 238U and 232Th using a hyper pure germanium detector gamma-ray spectrometer. Radon concentrations in the mines were also measured using a continuous radon monitor - Radon-Scout Plus (Sarad, GmbH). Activity concentrations of 40K are below 10 Bqg-1 in all the samples but all the tantalite samples contain more than 1 Bqg-1 of 226Ra and 238U. Hence tantalite is regarded as naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and the mining activity as a practice. The requirements for planned exposure situations apply to all the mining sites but, on the basis of graded approach, the optimum radiation protection measures vary from one mine to another, ranging from exemption to authorization. Exposures to radon in the underground mines pose the greatest radiological risks and portend the greatest need for regulatory control in the mining operations. The results further underscore the need to integrate radiation protection with the other health and safety measures in the mining sector.

Risk factors of liver malignancies in workers chronically exposed to ionizing radiation

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of non-radiation factors and ionizing radiation on the incidence of liver malignant neoplasms in workers of a nuclear facility.&#x0D; METHODS: This was a retrospective study that considered a cohort of Mayak PA workers (22,377 individuals hired during 19481982 and followed up until 31.12.2018). The analysis included 60 malignant neoplasms of liver that were histologically confirmed. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in relation to factors under the study using Poissons regression.&#x0D; RESULTS: The risk of total liver malignancies increased with attained age and for individuals with chronic liver diseases HR=3,59 (95%CI 1,57; 7,21), chronic gallbladder and biliary tract diseases HR=1,83 (95%CI 1,07; 3,11), gallstone disease HR=2,45 (95%CI 1,15; 4,77). Viral hepatitis elevated the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HR=7,41 (95%CI 1,20; 24,63). Gallstone disease raised the risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) HR=14,69 (95%CI 3,05; 56,18). Risk of hemangiosarcoma (HAS) was increased in individuals with chronic liver diseases HR=7,52 (95%CI 1,68; 24,48), and with diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract HR=6,01 (95%CI 1,86; 26,88). The risks of total liver malignancies and HAS were found to increase due to external exposure at gamma dose 0,5 Gy and internal exposure at alpha dose of plutonium 1,0 Gy. The risk of HCC increased with alpha dose 4,0 Gy and was not associated with external gamma-ray exposure. The risk of CC increased with gamma-ray exposure at doses 1,0 Gy and was not associated with alpha particle exposure. Among total liver malignancies, the number of HAS was high (26,7%) and among them 68,8% were observed at internal exposure alpha doses 4,0 Gy.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of liver malignancies in Mayak PA workers was associated with ionizing radiation, chronic diseases of hepatobiliary tract and viral hepatitis (in case of HCC). To investigate the risk related to occupational radiation exposure, we need to perform a dose-response analysis that will consider non-radiation factors.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IN VITRO DOSE-RESPONSE CALIBRATION CURVE FOR X-RAY-INDUCED MICRONUCLEI IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES.

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay has proven to be a reliable technique for biological dosimetry. This study aimed to establish the dose-response curve for X-ray-induced micronucleus. Peripheral blood samples from three healthy donors were irradiated with various doses and scoring criteria by the micronuclei (MN) in binucleated cells. The results showed that the frequency of MN increased with the elevation of radiation dose. CABAS and Dose Estimate software were used to fit the MN and dose into a linear quadratic model, and the results were compared. The linear and quadratic coefficients obtained by the two software were basically the same and were comparable with published curves of similar radiation quality and dose rates by other studies. The dose-response curve established in this study can be used as an alternative method for in vitro dose reconstruction and provides a reliable tool for biological dosimetry in accidental or occupational radiation exposures.

ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТЬ И СМЕРТНОСТЬ ОТ ОПУХОЛЕЙ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОЙ НЕРВНОЙ СИСТЕМЫ В КОГОРТЕ РАБОТНИКОВ, ПОДВЕРГШИХСЯ ХРОНИЧЕСКОМУ ОБЛУЧЕНИЮ

Purpose: To analyze incidence and mortality rates of central nervous system (CNS) primary tumors (PT) in the cohort of workers chronically exposed to radiation. Material and methods: Study cohort included 22237 Mayak Production Association workers. Work history data and dose estimates from the “Mayak Worker Dosimetry System 2013” were used. Clinical and epidemiology data were obtained from the “Clinic” database. Crude and age-adjusted (by indirect method) incidence and mortality rates for CNS PT per 100000 person-years were calculated. Standardized incidence and mortality trends were analyzed by Jointpoint 4.0.4. Results: 53 cases and 47 deaths from malignant neoplasms (MN) of brain and spinal cord, cerebral nerve and other parts of CNS (C70–C72 ICD-10 codes) as well as 40 cases and 7 deaths from non-malignant neoplasms (NMN) of brain and other parts of CNS (D-33 ICD-10 code) were identified. CNS MN were more frequent among males (83 %), and CNS NMN were more frequent among females (55 %). Both CNS MN and NMN developed at younger ages among males as compared with females, CNS PT frequency increased with increased attained age. Analysis in relation to calendar period revealed the increasing trend for CNS PT incidence among females only (р=0,008). Effects of chronic occupational radiation exposure on CNS PT incidence and mortality rates were not established either among males or females. Conclusion: Findings should be considered as preliminary and require further studies.

Development of a New Radiation Shield for the Face and Neck of IVR Physicians.

Interventional radiology (IVR) procedures are associated with increased radiation exposure and injury risk. Furthermore, radiation eye injury (i.e., cataract) in IVR staff have also been reported. It is crucial to protect the eyes of IVR physicians from X-ray radiation exposure. Many IVR physicians use protective Pb eyeglasses to reduce occupational eye exposure. However, the shielding effects of Pb eyeglasses are inadequate. We developed a novel shield for the face (including eyes) of IVR physicians. The novel shield consists of a neck and face guard (0.25 mm Pb-equivalent rubber sheet, nonlead protective sheet). The face shield is positioned on the left side of the IVR physician. We assessed the shielding effects of the novel shield using a phantom in the IVR X-ray system; a radiophotoluminescence dosimeter was used to measure the radiation exposure. In this phantom study, the effectiveness of the novel device for protecting against radiation was greater than 80% in almost all measurement situations, including in terms of eye lens exposure. A large amount of scattered radiation reaches the left side of IVR physicians. The novel radiation shield effectively protects the left side of the physician from this scattered radiation. Thus, the device can be used to protect the face and eyes of IVR physicians from occupational radiation exposure. The novel device will be useful for protecting the face (including eyes) of IVR physicians from radiation, and thus could reduce the rate of radiation injury. Based on the positive results of this phantom study, we plan to perform a clinical experiment to further test the utility of this novel radiation shield for IVR physicians.

Prevention of Health Risks Related to Occupational Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Times of Climate Change and COVID-19 Pandemic

Occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a recognized work-related risk, as is associated with the induction of long-term adverse health effects such as Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and cataracts. Recent research provided new data suggesting an increased risk of specific forms of malignant melanoma, i.e., Lentigo Maligna Melanoma, for outdoor workers, while the relation of cumulative exposure to solar radiation with ocular diseases, such as uveal melanoma and macular degeneration, is still debated. Nowadays, one of the main focuses of prevention activities is the organization of multicomponent sun safety initiatives, which are proved to be effective, particularly when including technologies that are able to directly interact with individuals, such as phone apps, such as the recently released SunSmart Global UV App. Nevertheless, we should not forget that we are living in an era of profound changes, and phenomena such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have an impact on all aspects of our lives, including how and when we perform, as well as the perception of, outdoor activities. In the future, this may result in possible changes in the scenario of occupational and leisure-time solar radiation exposure-related health risks.

Is there any health danger by radioactivity on the use of dimensional stones?

Natural building stones must be analysed according to a legally defined procedure to prove that the natural radioactivity they emit is below the so-called activity index given by European Commission. This applies in particular to rooms inside buildings or apartments that are used by people for longer periods of time. Gamma spectrometric measurements were determined for all nuclides involved, 40K, 226Ra and 232Th, which were finally summed up to a total dose for each sample. Measurements are prescribed to check whether the reference value of 1 milli-Sievert per year can be exceeded by radionuclides in the respective building materials. Natural stones, 82 in total from all over the world, such as various igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, which are currently used as building stones for interior and exterior finishing, as kitchen worktops, floor tiles, wall cladding, table tops, furniture cover plates, paving stones, terrace slabs, paving slabs, stairs, street furniture, etc., were selected. Additionally, Rn-222 and Rn-220 exhaled per unit mass were determined simultaneously on 54 selcted from the total 82 rocks by using the accumulation method. In addition, our results were statistically compared with literature data, according to which fesic igneous rocks, gneisses and clay mineral-rich rocks have the highest potential to be radiologically threatening. Limestones, marbles, quartzites, mafic igneous rocks and sandstones are generally less radiologically harmful, but even here there are exceptions depending on the geological formation history and mineralogical composition. The highest activity index of 1.87 was determined for the gneiss Giallo California. Model calculations to determine the expected radiation exposure for a human were used by applying two less complex approaches. Even with the extreme model “coffin”, which consists of the Gialo California, a human experiences only a maximum dose rate of 1.29 mSva−1, which is far below the maximum dose rate of 20 mSv a−1 allowed for occupational radiation exposure. The 220Rn and 222Rn are often neglected; however, their contribution to the dose rate received by the population may be significant. Model simulations for a room with 4 m × 3 m × 2.5 m where the walls and the floor coverd with tiles of 1 cm thickness show a maximum indoor radon concentration of less then 100 Bg m−3. With increase in thickness of the tiles up to 3 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm and for poorly ventilated rooms especially some granitoids, gneisses and the copper-rich shale are above the allowed limit of the European Commission.

Risk of occupational radiation exposure for radiation workers involved in interventional endourology in Saudi Arabia

In recent years, fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures have become an essential part of endourology practices and widely performed around the world. Despite the many clinical benefits of these procedures, they expose patients and workers to a significant amount of radiation. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the mean annual occupational radiation dose for interventional endourology workers in Saudi Arabia. During the five-year period from 2017 to 2021, 262 interventional endourology workers were monitored to estimate the radiation effective dose during their work routine in 28 Saudi Ministry of Health healthcare facilities. To estimate the radiation effective doses for workers, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were used on a quarterly basis. The interventional endourology workers were asked to operate the TLD-100 device using a lead apron, a thyroid protective collar and leaded protective eyewear to protect most parts of their body. The mean annual effective dose (mSv) was used as an indicator of the overall occupational exposure for the workers. Analysis of the occupational dose data showed that the mean annual effective dose for all workers, averaged over the study period, was 0.70 mSv (0.12–3.18 mSv). The results indicate a safe environment in terms of radiation protection with no single dose exceeding the recommended occupational dose limits. However, optimisation of radiation protection practices is always advised to facilitate a reduction in the occupational exposure to the radiation dose.

Underestimation of Radiation Doses by Compliance of Wearing Dosimeters among Fluoroscopically-Guided Interventional Medical Workers in Korea

This study aimed to estimate the level of underestimation of National Dose Registry (NDR) doses based on the workers’ dosimeter wearing compliance. In 2021, a nationwide survey of Korean medical radiation workers was conducted. A total of 989 medical workers who performed fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures participated, and their NDR was compared with the adjusted doses by multiplying the correction factors based on the individual level of dosimeter compliance from the questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors for low dosimeter wearing. Based on the data from the NDR, the average annual effective radiation dose was 0.95 mSv, while the compliance-adjusted dose was 1.79 mSv, yielding an 89% increase. The risks for low compliance with wearing a badge were significantly higher among doctors, professionals other than radiologists or cardiologists, workers not frequently involved in performing fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures, and workers who did not frequently wear protective devices. This study provided quantitative information demonstrating that the NDR data may have underestimated the actual occupational radiation exposure. The underestimation of NDR doses may lead to biased risk estimates in epidemiological studies for radiation workers, and considerable attention on dosimetry wearing compliance is required to interpret and utilize NDR data.