RADIATION

PROTECTION
INTRODUCTION
• Radiation protection, also known as radiological
protection, is the science and practice of protecting
people and the environment from the harmful effects
of ionizing radiation.
• Ionizing radiation such as x-rays and gamma rays, has
enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from
atoms, which can damage living tissue.
• There are two main types of radiation protection:
occupational and public.
• Occupational radiation protection protects workers
exposed to ionizing radiation on the job, such as in the
medical and nuclear industries.
• Public radiation protection focuses on protecting the
general population from exposure to ionizing radiation.
BASIC PRINCIPLE OF
RADIATION
PROTECTION
1. Justification: The principle of justification means
that no exposure to ionizing radiation shall be
undertaken unless it results in a net benefit to the
individual receiving the exposure.
• This means that unless there is a good reason for a
person to receive a dose of radiation, the exposure
should not be made.
• Therefore, all examinations using ionizing radiation
should be performed only when necessary to answer
a medical question, help to treat disease, or guide a
procedure.
• The clinical indication and patient medical history
should be carefully considered before referring a
patient for any examination.
2.OPTIMIZATION
• Optimization is the second principle of radiation
protection. Once an exposure has been justified, the
exposure should be optimized.
• This principle is designed to ensure that the doses are
kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) without
compromising the diagnostic quality of the images.
• There are several strategies for optimization of
radiation protection, including the correct and accurate
implementation of technical factors affecting the dose
to the patient, such as correct exposure factor
technique, use of proper shielding and using ALARA
principle.
ALARA PRINCIPLE
• ALARA is a acronym for as low as reasonably achievable.
• The term ALARA was introduced by ICRP-26.
• It states that doses to patient and staff should be kept as
low as reasonably achievable.
• Every effort must be made to reduce radiation levels below
the stated dose limits within economic and social limits.
• By the application of the ALARA principle, the radiation
risk to the individual irradiated is kept to a minimum.
• There are number of technical factors in radiological
practice which influence keeping the radiation dose low
e.g. shielding, collimation, SID, beam area.
3.DOSE LIMITATIONS
• According to this principle, the dose of radiation
to the people exposed to radiation for justified
activities must not exceed a certain limit, value.
• The ICRP has established dose limits. These limits
have been issued for occupationally exposed
individual and for member of the public, such as
family member and others waiting for patients, in
the imaging departments.
THREE BASIC
PRINCIPLE OF
RADIATION
PROTECTION
CARDINAL PRINCIPLE OF RADIATION PROTECTION
1.TIME
• The total dose received by a radiation worker is
directly proportional to the total time spent in
handling the radiation sources.
• Lesser the time spent in the radiation source,
lesser will be the radiation dose.
• As the time spent in the radiation field increases,
the radiation dose received also increases.
• Hence, minimize the time spent in any radiation
area.
Exposure= Exposure rate×
Time
2.DISTANCE
• The intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to
the square of the distance from the radiation source
(x‐ray tube, for example) As the distance increases,
the radiation exposure decreases.
• According to a physical law referred to as the inverse
square law. The mathematical expression
I∝1/d²
• where I = intensity of the radiation and d = distance
• The regulatory guideline for the length of the
exposure cord on a mobile x‐ray unit must be 2 m (6
ft) long.
3.SHIELDING
• Shielding is the use of materials and technique to reduce
the amount of radiation exposure to patients,
radiographers, and others in the vicinity of x-ray
department.
• This can include using lead shielding, barriers, and curtains
to block or absorb the radiation. There are two types of
shielding: Primary shielding and Secondary shielding.
• Primary shielding: It reduces the intensity of the primary x-
ray beam after it passes through the patient, film, and
cassette. Lead-lined walls, doors, and led glass prevent x-
rays from travelling outside the room.
• Secondary shielding blocks scatter radiation. It does not
provide adequate protection against the primary x-ray
beam.
• Always place shielding material between the x-ray tube and
the healthcare worker to assure safety.
10 DAYS RULE
• Ten day rule was postulated by ICRP for woman of
reproductive age ( childbearing age) .
• The goal of the 10 day rule was to prevent unintentional
exposure of the embryo or fetus.
• It states that if non urgent radiography of abdomen or
pelvis on women of childbearing age is needed
•
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
INTRODUCTION
• PPE is also used to protect against ionizing
radiation, such as lead apron, gloves, and other
clothing to block radiation, as well as dosimeters to
measure the amount of radiation an individual has
been exposed to.
• All individuals working in the radiation room must
wear a lead apron, when the x-ray tube is operated.
• Lead has high atomic number and ensures that
most scattered photons are absorbed , it is the
material most often chosen for shielding because of
its properties and density.
1.LEAD APRON
• A lead apron is a protective clothing radiographers and
other medical professional wear during x-ray procedures.
• It is made of a material that can effectively block or absorb
radiation, typically lead or a lead equivalent material.
• Using a lead apron is essential to protecting the
radiographer from unnecessary radiation exposure, and it
is a standard or practice in the radiology field.
• Lead is not only metal that protect from radiation exposure
or health hazards. Different heavy metals like barium,
aluminum, tin, antimony, bismuth, tungsten, are available
on our planet are available.
• The attenuation offered by the lead apron is as follow:
0.25 mm: >90% scattered radiation is attenuated weight 1-5 kg.
0.5mm: 95-99% scattered radiation is attenuated. Weight 3-7kg.
• The lead aprons do not cover the arms, lower legs, he head and
neck, thyroid and eyes.
ZERO LEAD APRONS
• Lead free aprons, incorporating tungsten, antimony,, and
bismuth or barium, aluminum, tin, titanium, are available in the
market.
• These aprons are environment friendly and recyclable as well.
• Lead is toxic and therefore disposal of lead aprons need proper
care.
• Lead free aprons may offer the weight which is 20-40% percent
lesser than that of conventional lead apron.
2.THYROID SHIELDS
• A thyroid shield, also known as a thyroid collar, is
a shielding worn around the neck to protect the
thyroid gland from radiation exposure during x-
ray procedures.
• The thyroid gland should be guarded, because it
is highly unsafe to scatter radiation.
• Thyroid shields are typically made of lead –
equivalent material (0.5mm) and are adjustable
to fit different neck sizes.
• Radiographers and other medical professional
wear them during x-ray procedures and by
patients who may be at an increase risk of
thyroid cancer.
• Thyroid shield should be worn quite tightly and
3.GONAD SHIELDS
• A gonad shields protects the gonads ( testes and
ovaries) from radiation exposure during x-ray
procedures.
• The gonads are very radiosensitive and risk developing
cancer if exposed to excessive radiation.
• Gonad shields are typically made of lead or lead
equivalency 0.5mm.
• It is worn by male and female patients during x-ray
procedures, such as CT may also use them during x-ray
procedures.
• The use of gonad shield can reduce the absorbed dose
by upto 95%.
• It is easier to use gonad shields in males than females.
4.LEAD GLOVES
• Lead gloves are made of lead-equivalent material and
are worn by radiographers and other medical
professional during x-ray procedures to protect their
hands from radiation exposure.
• Lead gloves are mainly use in fluoroscopy or c-arm
interventions because the staff hands are close to the
primary beam.
• They are designed to be flexible, lightweight, and
comfortable, making it easy for the radiographer to
perform the procedures without any hinderance.
• 0.55mm lead equivalent lead gloves are used.
5.LEAD GOGGLES
• Lead goggles, also known as lead glasses, are
worn by radiographers and other medical
professionals during x-ray procedures to protect
their eyes from radiation exposure.
• Lead glasses are important for those who work
regularly with radiation.
• Lead googles are equipped with high quality and
have 0.75mm lead equivalency.
• It come in different shapes and sizes to fit
different face shapes.
MOBILE PROTECTIVE BARRIER
• A MPB is a type of shielding used in radiology to
protect patients, radiographers, and other nearx-ray
equipment from radiation exposure.
• They are designed to be mobile and easy to move,
allowing them to be placed in the appropriate location
during the x-ray procedures.
• MPBs are typically made of lead or a lead equivalent
material,(1.5mm) providing adequate radiation
protection. They are commonly used in radiology
departments, mobile x-ray units, and operating rooms
to protect patients and radiographers from radiation
exposure.
RADIATION PROTECTION
STANDARDS
ORGANIZATIONS
• ICRP
• NCRP
• IAEA
• AERB
1.ICRP
• The international commission on radiological protection is an
independent organization that guides the protection of
people and the environment from ionizing radiation.
• The ICRP as founded in 1928.
• Its aim to develop recommendations, promote harmonizing
radiation protection standards, provide scientific and
technical advice.
• The ICRP is a sister organization to the International
Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU).
• The main function of ICRU is to develop concepts, definitions,
and recommendations for the use of quantities and their units
for ionizing radiation and its interaction with matter.
The main objective of the ICRP
are:
• Develop recommendations for protecting people
and the environment from ionizing radiation.
• recommendations
• Scientific work focused on improving the System
of Radiological Protection
• Raised awareness of radiological protection in
medicine
• Protection of the environment fully integrated
into the System of Radiological Protection
• Positive relationships with organisations
interested in radiological protection
• Best practices applied to the governance of ICRP
2.NCRP
• The NCRP is an independent organization in the
united states that provides recommendations and
guidance on radiation protection and
measurements.
• It was established in 1964, and its headquarters
is in Bethesda, Maryland.
• The main objective of the NCRP are to:
Develop radiation protection and measurements
recommendations:
Promote the harmonization of radiation
protection standards:
Provide scientific and technical advice:
Contribute to developing national and
3.IAEA
• International Atomic Energy Agency is an international
organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear
energy and reduces its use for any military purpose,
including nuclear weapons.
• The IAEA was established on July 29, 1957.
• The IAEA is headquartered in Vienna, Austria and s
under the jurisdiction of the United Nation.
The main function of IAEA ARE:
• Promote safe, secure, and peaceful nuclear
technologies.
• Increase safety towards human health.
• Science and technology safety with nuclear techniques.
• Ensure safe use of nuclear power.
4.AERB
• The atomic energy regulatory board is an
independent organization in India that regulates
nuclear and radiation safety.
• The AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983, by
the president of India under the Atomic Energy Act,
1962, to carry out certain regulatory and safety
functions under the Atomic Energy Act.
• The main aim of the AERB is to ensure the safe use of
ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India.
• The AERB is an independent organization in India that
regulates nuclear and radiation safety.
FUNCTIONS OF AERB
• Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation, and
other radiation utility.
• Develop safety codes, guidelines,, and standards for
design, construction, the operation for different
types of nuclear and radiation facilities.
• Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation, and
other radiation utility according to international
recommendation and local requirements.
• Prescribe acceptable dose limits of radiation for the
occupational worker and the public and the
environmental releases of radioactive substances.
• Effective implementation of radiation protection
programs in India.
AERB GUIDELINES FOR RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

• The manufacturer shall obtain design certification

from the authority prior to manufacturing the x-
ray equipment.
• For equipment of foreign make, the importing
agency should obtain a NO OBJECTION
CERTIFICATE from the authority prior to
marketing the equipment.
• The medical diagnostic x-ray equipment should
meet the design safety specifications
predetermined in the AERB safety code.
• The x-ray unit which is installed should be
registered with AERB along with layout approval.
• For registration and license, quality assurance
eLORA( ELECTRONIC LICENSING
OF RADIATION APPLICATIONS)
• AERB has launched an online e-governance
system for licensing of radiation facilities.
• This is an online facility for registration. The
system is aimed at achieving paperless licensing
of radiation facilities.
• It is compulsory for all users or owners of medical
diagnostic x-ray equipment to obtain a license or
registration from AERB for the operation of the
equipment as per Atomic Energy Rules 2004.