Radiation Protection of Staff and Public

Abstract

The increase in the use of radionuclide therapies (RNT) requires establishing adequate protective standards to avoid high radiation doses to the occupationally exposed technical and medical staff. Due to the particular working conditions when using unsealed radionuclides in RNT, predominantly exposure to the skin on the hands may occur. First of all, the use of nuclides emitting high-energetic beta radiation, such as Y-90, is a challenge to health physicists. This chapter provides the basic physical characteristics, explains the fundamental principles of radiation protection and describes the key components of a dedicated radiation protection regime in nuclear medicine in order to minimise radiation exposure. The radiation protection measures are based on well-known rules: the use of adequate shields, keeping distance to the sources and limiting the exposure time. These provisions have to be completed by routine monitoring of skin exposure using appropriate ring dosimeters and regular contamination checks. A review of the most important recent literature on exposure and radiation safety related to special therapy procedures is included. Besides the exposure of staff during preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals in RNT, protection of members of the public, such as relatives and caregivers of RNT patients, is also a matter of concern. Some precautionary measures have to be observed, especially after the patient’s release from the hospital.