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The new lens dose limit: implication for occupational radiation protection

  • MEDICAL PHYSICS
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Abstract

Aim and objectives

The aim of this article was to explore the implications of the new Euratom dose limit for occupational radiation protection in the context of medical occupational radiation exposures. The European Directive 2013/59/Euratom takes into account the new recommendations on reduction in the dose limit for the lens of the eye for planned occupational exposures released in 2012 by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP 118).

Materials and methods

Different dose-monitoring procedures and devices were considered. Occupational eye lens doses reported by previous studies were analyzed, mainly considering workers involved in interventional procedures with X-rays. The current status of eye lens radiation protection and the main methods for dose reduction were investigated.

Results

The analysis showed that the workers, potentially exceeding the new limit, are clinical staff performing interventional procedures with a relatively high X-ray dose. Regarding radiological protection issues, the considered literature reports that the proper use of personal protective equipment may reduce the eye lens absorbed dose.

Conclusion

The evaluation of the occupational eye lens dose is essential to establish which method of personal dose monitoring should be preferred. Furthermore, education and training about the right use of personal protective equipment are important for medical staff working with ionizing radiation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ASL BT, Medical Physics, Barletta, Italy

    Samantha Cornacchia, Rosangela Errico, Arcangela Maldera & Giovanni Simeone

  2. University of Foggia, Radiology, Foggia, Italy

    Luciana La Tegola & Giuseppe Guglielmi

  3. IRCCS–CROB, Radiation Oncology, Rionero in Vulture, Italy

    Vincenzo Fusco

  4. Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy

    Artor Niccoli-Asabella & Giuseppe Rubini

Authors
  1. Samantha Cornacchia
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  2. Rosangela Errico
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  3. Luciana La Tegola
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  4. Arcangela Maldera
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  5. Giovanni Simeone
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  9. Giuseppe Guglielmi
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Correspondence to Giuseppe Guglielmi.

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Cornacchia, S., Errico, R., La Tegola, L. et al. The new lens dose limit: implication for occupational radiation protection. Radiol med 124, 728–735 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-019-01027-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-019-01027-7

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