The new lens dose limit: implication for occupational radiation protection

Radiol Med. 2019 Aug;124(8):728-735. doi: 10.1007/s11547-019-01027-7. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

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.

Keywords: Dose limit; Dose reduction; European Directive 2013/59; Eye lens dose; Occupational dose; Radiation protection.

MeSH terms

  • European Union
  • Humans
  • Lens, Crystalline / radiation effects*
  • Maximum Allowable Concentration
  • Occupational Exposure / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
  • Occupational Exposure / standards
  • Personal Protective Equipment / standards
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiation Exposure / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Radiation Exposure / prevention & control
  • Radiation Exposure / standards
  • Radiation Monitoring / instrumentation
  • Radiation Monitoring / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Radiation Protection / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Radiation Protection / standards
  • Radiation, Ionizing