Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Ionizing radiation is used extensively for diagnostic purposes and this video displays how radiologists work. They make X-ray photos daily, and it is very important that their work place is organized so their radiation dose becomes as low as possible. The exposure can be controlled by the use of a dose-tag. This dose-tag contains a film, and specific laboratories can analyse the film and evaluate the ionizing radiation dose of the worker. The workers may carry the dose-tag for one-two months at the time. This type of surveillance ensures the discovery of high exposures.

Dose tag for surveillance of the X-ray exposure of a radiologist. It is important that the radiologist wears the dose-tag at all times during their work, otherwise the dose level will be under-estimated in the analysis of the film inside the dose tag. ^{© G. Tjalvin}

Environmental Ionizing Radiation

The exposure to ionizing radiation can also be measured in the environment. A Becquerel meter measures the number of radioactive particles and gives a precise and live-time measure of the exposure.

Health Effects Due to Ionizing Radiation Exposure

The health effects associated with exposure to ionizing radiation will vary depending on the total amount of energy absorbed, the time period, the dose rate and the particular organ exposed. Ionizing radiation affects individuals by depositing energy in the body, which can damage cells or change chemical Balance within the cells. Tissues that have a high rate of regeneration are the most vulnerable for the radiation.

Low doses (whole body exposure < 0.1 Gray)

When exposed to low doses, acute effects may occur. In addition, long term effects may develop due to this type of ionizing radiation exposure.

Acute effects

• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Burns of the skin

Long term effects

• Cataract
• Permanently or temporarily sterility
• Cancer induced by ionizing radiation

Different cancer types may develop due to ionizing radiation. The latency time from exposure to development of cancer might be 10 – 20 years.

• Leukaemia
• Breast-cancer
• Bone cancer

Pregnant women – effects on the baby

High doses (whole body exposure exceeding 1 – 2 Gray)

Radiation syndrome

• The prodromal phase: Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, fever and diarrhoea.
• The sickness phase: Infections, haemorrhages, gastrointestinal symptoms

Preventive Measures

The basic and fundamental principle in prevention of radiation exposure is that you shall always, keep the exposure as low as possible. In addition, the distance to the source of radiation must be as far as possible.

Workers can be protected against exposure to ionizing radiation by shields, using for instance lead in the walls surrounding x-ray machines, as was shown in the video from the X-ray department. Lead absorbs the radiation so no radiation passes through the wall. Lead is also used in coats and collars to protect workers exposed to radiation, and lead may also be used in glasses to protect the eyes.

Occupations With Ionizing Radiation Exposure

We are exposed to radiation everywhere on our planet as we are all exposed to solar radiation. Some natural minerals emits ionizing radiation, such as uranium, and this makes working in mines and other under-ground activities related to increased exposure to ionizing radiation. Health personnel is naturally often exposed depending on their specific work, but also in industrial activities X-rays are for instance used to investigate the strength of metal work.

If you want to read more about ionizing radiation, you may read Fact sheet N°371 from WHO: “Ionizing radiation, health effects and protective measures”