INTERNATIONAL HIGHER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

RADIATION PROCTECTTIVE AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

NAME: ALI JAVED
GROUP:3
SEM: 5
TEACHER: ZHUMAKEYEVA ELIZA
 RADIATION PROTECTIVE AND
PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN
HOSPITALS
 Radiation is the emission and propagation of
energy through space or a medium in the
form of particles or electromagnetic waves. It
can be classified into two main types:
ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, based
on the energy of the radiation and its ability to
affect atoms.
 Types of Radiation:

1- Ionizing Radiation
2- Non-ionizing Radiation
 IONIZING RADIATION:

•Definition: This type of radiation carries enough energy to remove electrons from
atoms, creating ions. This can damage or kill cells, and it may lead to cancer or other
health problems.

•Sources:
•Radioactive materials (e.g., Uranium, Radon, and other radionuclides)
•X-rays and Gamma rays from medical devices or nuclear reactors.
•Examples of ionizing radiation:
•Alpha radiation (α): Emitted by heavy elements like Uranium. It can be blocked by a sheet of paper or
human skin but can cause damage if inhaled or ingested.
•Beta radiation (β): Electrons or positrons that can penetrate the outer layers of skin, but can be blocked
by materials like plastic or glass.
•Gamma radiation (γ): High-energy electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate most materials,
including human tissue. It requires heavy shielding, such as lead or concrete, to block it.
•X-rays: Similar to gamma rays but usually lower in energy. Used in medical imaging.
 NON-IONIZING RADIATION:

 This type of radiation does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms.
While it can excite atoms (make them vibrate), it typically doesn't cause direct cellular
damage.
 Sources:
 Visible light (the light we see)
 Radio waves (used in communication)
 Microwaves (used in microwave ovens)
 Ultraviolet (UV) light (can cause sunburn and damage skin cells)

 Examples of non-ionizing radiation:

 Radio waves: Used for communication, including FM radio, television signals, and mobile
phone signals.
 Microwaves: Used in heating food and communication technologies (like satellite
transmissions).
 Infrared radiation: Felt as heat (e.g., from the sun or heaters).
 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Comes from the sun and can cause skin damage (e.g., sunburn).
 1) INDICATOR/SUBSTANCE/FACTOR/POLLUTANT/DISEASE
CONCERNED:

Radiation exposure can occur in hospitals due to medical imaging, radiation therapy,
and other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Protection and preventive measures
are essential to reduce exposure to both patients and healthcare professionals.

 The topic is concerned with ionizing radiation, which includes particles such as
alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays. These are used in medical
imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) and radiation therapy. The key pollutants related to
radiation are:
 Radionuclides (e.g., Iodine-131, Technetium-99m) used in nuclear medicine.
 X-rays and Gamma rays from radiological equipment.
 Radiation exposure to personnel (e.g., doctors, nurses) and patients.
 2) METHODS USED FOR THEIR DETERMINATION:

 To assess radiation levels in a hospital setting, various methods and tools are employed:
 Radiation Detectors: Instruments like Geiger-Müller counters, ionization
chambers, and scintillation counters are used to detect and measure radiation.
 Dosimeters: Personal radiation dosimeters (e.g., film badges, thermoluminescent
dosimeters) worn by healthcare professionals and patients to measure individual
exposure.
 Radiation Surveys: Regular surveys and monitoring of radiation levels in hospital
rooms, equipment, and laboratories.
 Air and Surface Sampling: Airborne radioactive materials can be detected with filters
or collection devices. Surface contamination is checked with wipe tests.
 Environmental Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of radiation in hospital
environments, especially in areas like radiology and nuclear medicine departments.
 3) LIMITS FOR CONCENTRATION IN ATMOSPHERIC AIR,
WATER, SOIL, FOODSTUFFS:

 Radiation exposure limits are regulated by national and international bodies, such as the
International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), World Health Organization
(WHO), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Limits for different substances are
typically based on annual radiation dose equivalents rather than specific concentrations in air,
water, or soil, but here are some general guidelines:
 Air: The dose from occupational exposure to ionizing radiation should not exceed 50
millisieverts (mSv) per year for radiation workers, and 1 mSv/year for the general public.
 Water: WHO recommends a maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of radioactive
substances in drinking water, depending on the specific isotope. For example, the MPC for iodine-
131 is typically less than 10 Bq/L.
 Soil: Soil contamination limits depend on the specific radionuclide, but the focus is generally on
keeping radiation levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
 Foodstuffs: The concentration of radionuclides in food is regulated, but limits depend on the
isotope. For example, cesium-137 in food might be limited to a few becquerels per kilogram
(Bq/kg).
 4) CHIEF EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND/OR THE
ENVIRONMENT:

 Human Health:
 Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): Occurs when a person is exposed to a high
dose of radiation in a short period, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting,
fatigue, and in severe cases, death.
 Cancer: Long-term exposure to low levels of radiation can lead to cancer,
especially leukemia, thyroid cancer, and lung cancer.
 Genetic Damage: Ionizing radiation can cause mutations in DNA, leading to
genetic defects that may affect future generations.
 Skin Burns and Tissue Damage: Localized exposure to high radiation doses can
cause burns, damage to tissues, and even necrosis.
 Cataracts: Radiation exposure, especially from X-rays or gamma rays, can
increase the risk of cataracts in the eyes.
 Environmental Effects:
 Radioactive Contamination: Radioactive substances can contaminate the
environment, leading to long-term ecological damage.
 Bioaccumulation: Radionuclides can accumulate in the food chain, affecting
plants, animals, and humans.
 Soil and Water Pollution: Radiation can contaminate soil and water bodies,
harming ecosystems and potentially affecting agricultural productivity.
 5) PREVENTION (OR PROTECTION) MEASURES TO
SAFEGUARD HUMAN OR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH:

 There are various protective and preventive measures to minimize radiation

exposure:
 For Patients:
 Minimizing Exposure: Use the lowest effective dose of radiation for diagnostic
imaging. Avoid unnecessary imaging procedures.
 Lead Shields: Use of lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead gloves to protect
vulnerable body parts during X-ray procedures.
 Radiation Therapy Planning: For cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy,
precision techniques (e.g., intensity-modulated radiation therapy) minimize
exposure to healthy tissues.
 Time, Distance, and Shielding: Minimize exposure time, increase the distance
from radiation sources, and use shielding to protect sensitive areas.
 FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS:

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Radiation workers must wear PPE such
as lead aprons, gloves, and thyroid shields.
 Radiation Monitoring: Regular use of dosimeters to monitor exposure levels for
workers in radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy departments.
 Training and Education: Healthcare professionals must be trained in radiation
safety practices, including proper use of equipment and safety protocols.
 Restricted Areas: Radiation-emitting equipment should be used in designated
areas, and access should be restricted to authorized personnel.
 Radiation Safety Protocols: Regular monitoring of radiation exposure levels,
establishment of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles, and strict
adherence to safety standards.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:

 Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Ensure proper handling and disposal

of radioactive materials to prevent contamination of water, soil, and air.
 Containment Measures: Use shielding and containment for radioactive
materials to prevent leakage into the environment.
 Environmental Monitoring: Regular environmental monitoring of
radiation levels in hospital surroundings and waste disposal sites to
detect and mitigate contamination.
 By adopting these measures, hospitals can significantly reduce the risk of
radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare workers, ensuring
safety and minimizing environmental impact.