Lessons learned from past nuclear or radiological (N/R) emergencies have demonstrated that, similar to other large-scale disasters and emergency situations, the mental health and psychosocial consequences of an accident in terms of health detriment to affected populations can outweigh other public health impacts, e.g. radiation-induced physical health impacts such as cancer. For this reason, in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a framework for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in radiological and nuclear emergencies as an initial step toward integrating mental health support and radiological protection. The present practical guidance, as an operational extension of the WHO framework, is intended to be action-oriented and so takes the form of a summary table of actions, complemented by detailed action sheets where no specific guidance exists in available emergency guidelines to be adopted for N/R emergencies. The action sheets provide a list of preparation activities but also define indicators to help authorities assess their importance, quality of implementation, and efficiency. The general themes covered by the action sheets are discussed.
Pregnant radiographers require more stringent radiation dose monitoring than general radiographers due to the sensitive nature of the developing fetus’s cells towards radiation. Occupational radiation safety measures include the use of personal dosimeters. Ineffective dosimetry practices among pregnant radiographers in South Africa were observed, which led to the current technological innovation. The prototype and final mobile application were developed using a user-centred approach following the situational analysis. (1) A design thinking phase was executed through a participatory design workshop (PDW) consisting of 12 participants. (2) A mobile application development lifecycle method with software engineers was used to produce the final artefact. Pregnant radiographers need an effective way to monitor and track their fetal doses. There is a need for access to educational resources for pregnant radiographers and the need for psychosocial support. The final mobile app was guided by the prototype design and rigorous consultation on its appearance and behaviour and the functionality and testing processes emanating from three core domains, namely, dose tracking, education, and well-being. PregiDose is a mobile application developed for the user by the user. Therefore, the app directly addresses key challenges pregnant radiographers face and aligns with several World Health Organisation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) using technology.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a medical imaging modality utilised in acquiring multiple two-dimensional images in various projections to visualise a three-dimensional image of the breast. The study aims to analyse the average glandular dose (AGD) received by symptomatic patients during their mammography examination conducted in TomoHD mode at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC). Routine performance tests based on the American College of Radiology (ACR) Digital Mammography Quality Control Manual were conducted. Image quality evaluations of the patients’ mammograms were conducted by the breast radiologists. The DBT procedure data of patients with acceptable image quality evaluations were analysed. The median of the AGD data distribution in this study was determined. Seventy-four study participants, with an age range of 26 to 69 years old and overall compressed breast thickness (CBT) range of 32.25 to 69.5 mm, were utilised in this study. Image qualities of 96% of the study participants were found to be acceptable while the remaining 4% received recommendations to repeat the image acquisition. Tube loading, peak kilovoltage, and CBT were found to significantly affect the AGD for both projections. The overall AGD median was determined to be 2.13 mGy which is within the recommended 3.0 mGy acceptable limit of ACR.
The study aimed to analyse the correlation in activation between irradiation particles and concrete components. The activation simulation, conducted using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS), involved benchmarking proton particles with the same code system to validate the simulation. The calculation of radionuclide activity was performed for four distinct types of concrete, each divided into 10 layers. These concretes featured unique components and compositions, with two containing five impurities. Most of the radionuclides were found to be activated through thermal neutron capture reaction, with outcomes influenced by the cross-section of these reactions and the presence and quantity of concrete components. Furthermore, impurities, despite being trace elements, exhibited a strong contribution to radionuclide activity due to their higher cross-section compared to other nuclides. The results highlight the importance of identifying the specific features of each concrete shield, providing essential insights for preparing against activation during facility decommissioning.
This study presents selected outcomes from IAEA MODARIA II Working Group 3 (WG3), with a focus on sustainability aspects of radiation protection for humans and non-human biota. Aligned with ICRP and IAEA guidelines, the study integrates radiological environmental impact assessments, emphasising the importance of continuous updates as our understanding of non-human biota exposure evolves. The research ensures consistency in assessments for planned exposure situations, crucial for informed waste management decisions. Distinct methodologies for human and non-human biota assessments are justified, considering the aims of protection (individuals versus populations), variations in dispersion models, exposure pathways, and dose coefficient data. Harmonisation efforts within IAEA MODARIA Working Group 3 aimed to create a practical summary, investigate national approaches, and promote modelling codes for integrated dose assessments. Five diverse scenarios covering nuclear power plants (NPPs), radioactive waste repositories, and a research centre were assessed, revealing some tool variations but demonstrating overall adequate protection for non-human biota. The groundbreaking intercomparison of different tools showcased their ability to calculate effective doses for humans and dose rates to non-human biota, highlighting flexibility and reliability. Results indicated generally consistent outcomes, with only a few instances requiring additional data for confirmation. The study offers valuable insights into the reliability and comparability of different tools for integrated dose assessments in nuclear safety and radiation protection, contributing to the ongoing development of sustainable practices in environmental radiation protection.
