Accidental beta radiation burns from an electron accelerator

Ann Emerg Med. 1980 Jul;9(7):371-3. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(80)80115-6.

Abstract

A 61-year-old man presented to the emergency department after accidental exposure to beta radiation and low dose x radiation from an industrial linear electron accelerator. Over 40 days he developed burns on the extremities, abdomen, and face which eventually healed with topical silver sulfadiazine treatment, but suffered no acute x or gamma radiation symptoms. Beta burns and other radiation effects are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Burns / drug therapy
  • Burns / etiology*
  • Extremities / injuries
  • Facial Injuries / drug therapy
  • Facial Injuries / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Particle Accelerators*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Injuries / complications*
  • Radiation Injuries / drug therapy
  • Silver Sulfadiazine / administration & dosage
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Silver Sulfadiazine