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Purpose Dose constraints (DC), as a tool of optimization, are still under research. This element of radiation protection seems to be essential, especially in interventional cardiology and radiology, where the occupational and public exposure doses may be relatively prominent. This article presents findings and insights to status of implementation the dose constraints in Europe. Materials and methods Questionnaire has been sent to two target groups in Europe – regulatory bodies representants and medical facilities’ workers, involved in establishing dose constraints and maintaining radiation protection e.g. radiation protection officers/experts or medical physicists. Collected data and analyze of answering show mainly that the dose constraints are implemented, both for occupational and public exposure, nevertheless there are differences in methods of implementation. Results The survey was fulfilled by 17 Regulatory Bodies (RB) from different European countries and by 50 Medical Facility Representants (MF) from 14 European countries. Using dose constraints as defined in the Basic Safety Standard document confirmed 82% of RBs and 76% of MF. Other, most important answers for questions targeted to both groups (RBs and MFs) as responsibility of setting DCs, also divided into two groups – occupational and public exposure, also with analysis are presented in this paper. Conclusions The need of preparing guidance is seen, especially for usage dose constraints in occupational exposure. What is more, respondents see the positive aspects of dose constraints, in terms of optimization, safer work environment and risk reduction.
The impact of oil extraction and processing facilities in the coastal environment was explored, regarding the presence of radionuclides and heavy metals in seawater, sediments, and seaweed. The activity of radium and uranium in seawater was measured by α-spectrometry while the metals concentrations (As, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, Fe) were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. The survey was undertaken in two seasons and the values were compared with those determined in a reference site. Enrichment, transfer and contamination factors were obtained, demonstrating that the concentration of the metals dispersed into their surroundings are not dangerous for humans. The study will contribute to the assessment of environmental pollution from radionuclides and heavy metals caused by oil processing facilities and therefore be used as a database to take the necessary measures to protect the public and the environment.
This letter investigates the impact of gamma radiation on the transient performance of surge protective components under high impulse currents in the range of 0.3-2.0 kA generated by a 6 kV/3 kA combination wave generator. For the first time, the immunity of spark gaps, metal-oxide varistors, and transient voltage suppression diodes to gamma radiation is demonstrated by analyzing their residual voltage before, during, and after their exposure to a Cobalt-60 source for more than 4 minutes; samples were receiving a dose rate of 450 mGy/min. These findings (i) provide insights on test methodologies for international standards on surge protection and (ii) pave the way for implementation of surge protection schemes in highly irradiated environments, such as those encountered in the emerging power and data grids in aviation, space, nuclear, and defense industries.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, portable UV-C radiation sources for disinfection have become increasingly available and integrated into daily life. UV-C devices emitting at 254 nm (mercury lamps) affect skin and eyes, usually causing erythema, burns or photokeratitis. Despite safety recommendations, misuse or accidental exposure remains a risk. Most data on UV-C effects come from cases of accidental overexposure in fixed installations, while portable devices involve different exposure geometry. Users hold the source close throughout the disinfection process, exposing themselves to both direct and reflected UV-C radiation. An in vivo study using male SKH-hr1 mice was conducted in two stages to assess the effects of skin exposure to UV-C radiation from a commercial disinfection device (Hg lamp, 253.7 nm, 5 Wm −2 ) under realistic conditions of use. In the first stage, single irradiation doses of 5 Jm −2 , 15 Jm −2 , 30 Jm −2 , 45 Jm −2 and 60 Jm −2 were used to determine the minimum erythemal dose. Doses of 45 Jm −2 and 60 Jm −2 caused irritation and signs of skin aging including reduced elasticity, wrinkling and dry skin. Based on these findings, the second stage assessed long-term effects with repeated exposures of 45 Jm −2 , 60 Jm −2 , and 100 Jm −2 , irradiating mice 5 times per week for 25 days. Progressive skin damage escalated from mild irritation to significant thickening and premature aging, culminating in erythematous papules indicative of actinic hyperkeratosis. These findings demonstrate that both acute and long-term exposure to UV-C radiation can cause significant skin damage, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety guidelines. Graphical abstract
The escalating use of Computed Tomography (CT) imaging necessitates establishment and periodic revision of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) to ensure patient protection optimization. This paper presents the outcomes of a national survey conducted from 2019 to 2022, focusing on revising DRLs for adult CT examinations. Dosimetric data from 127 scanners in 120 medical facilities, representing 25% of the country's CT scanners, were collected, emphasizing geographic distribution and technology representation. The parameters used for DRLs were the CTDIvol and the DLP of a typical acquisition of the region of interest (scan DLP). In addition to the 7 CT examination for which the DRL values were revised, establishment of DRLs for neck, cervical spine, pelvic boneships, coronary artery calcium (Ca) score and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) examinations was performed. Revised DRLs exhibited a 15 % average decrease in CTDIvol and a 7 % average decrease in scan DLP from the initial DRLs. This reduction of dosimetric values is relatively low compared to other national studies. The findings revealed wide variations in dosimetric values and scan lengths among scanners, emphasizing the need for standardization and optimization. Incorporation of advanced technologies like Iterative Reconstruction (IR) showcased potential for further dose reduction, yet challenges in uniform implementation persist. The study underscores the importance of ongoing optimisation efforts, particularly in the context of increased CT utilization and evolving technology. The revised DRLs have been officially adopted in Greece, emphasizing the commitment to safe and effective CT practices.
