Background Accidents involving radiographic exposure occur worldwide. During inspection, a large amount of X-ray exposure occurs when the operator is near the source. Therefore, understanding the amount of radiation exposure that can occur in an accident during X-ray work is important. Materials and Methods X-ray spectra of an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system were measured at 50, 100, and 200 kV. Gafchromic film external beam therapy 4 (EBT4) was used to measure direct X-rays from the Be window of the X-ray CT. Directed and scattered X-ray doses were evaluated using a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD-100H) (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.). Results and Discussion Characteristic L-X-ray emitted from the tungsten filament of an X-ray CT machine were observed at 8–10 keV in an open-tube X-ray CT system without a metal filter. The dose rate of personal dose equivalent at a depth of 0.07 mm (Hp(0.07)) was 2.0 Sv/min at 3.7 cm from the X-ray source. The results of Hp(10) for the direct and scattered X-rays showed that the maximum was 7.5 mSv/min. Conclusion It is important to note that exposure levels can become extremely high if work is performed near an X-ray source without realizing that X-rays are being emitted. We recommend the use of interlock functions and alarm-type personal dosimeters to prevent accidental exposure.
Background Precision medicine aims to optimize therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects by addressing individual biological variability. In radiotherapy, assessing radiation sensitivity is crucial for clinical safety and radiation protection. Recently, patient-derived organoids have emerged as pivotal preclinical models for evaluating personalized radiation responses. Materials and Methods This study analyzed global patent filings (2005–2025) related to organoid-based radiation sensitivity diagnostics. Patents were systematically classified by country, technology group, and applicant type. After screening and refining 5,097 patents, the final dataset included a total of 1,074 valid patent families. Quantitative analyses were performed to characterize temporal trends, developmental stages, and competitive structures across different regions. Results and Discussion The global patent landscape has exhibited a robust upward trajectory with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9% from 2005 to 2025. China and South Korea are exhibiting significant recent growth, with the annual filings peaking at 136 in 2023. Technology groups focused on organoid culture/fabrication and radiation sensitivity prediction account for nearly 80% of the total portfolio. A distinct developmental asymmetry was observed: industrial applicants primarily drive culture-related technologies toward commercialization, whereas hospitals and research centers lead sensitivity prediction, reflecting a decisive shift toward clinically oriented, data-driven research. Conclusion This systematic analysis characterizes the structural and competitive dynamics of organoid-based radiation diagnostics. The findings serve as a strategic baseline for stakeholders to navigate future research trajectories and formulate intellectual property strategies in the field of precision radiation medicine.
Background Ionizing radiation for medical diagnosis and therapy can have negative health effects on service providers. In this study, we investigated the radiation safety awareness of healthcare professionals who work mainly with ionizing radiation. Materials and Methods Workers in the diagnostic radiology, clinical oncology, and nuclear medicine departments of 11 hospitals in two cities in Türkiye (n=203) responded to a questionnaire that was specially designed to measure their knowledge and awareness about aspects of ionizing radiation and protection measures. Results and Discussion Although the respondents’ primary role was directly related to ionizing radiation, results indicated that some had a knowledge gap about radiation safety and that the gap increased with the increase in age of the respondents. A Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 test for the dichotomized variables revealed an internal consistency of 0.83, indicating the validity of the results. Conclusion Lack of ionizing radiation safety awareness among many healthcare workers who deal with radiation on a daily basis might put their own safety and the safety of patients at risk. Recommendations specific to the observed awareness gaps are suggested, including adjusting university program curricula and providing additional training to current employees to increase knowledge and awareness.
The system of radiological protection developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provides the scientific and conceptual basis for regulatory frameworks worldwide, including that of Japan. Following the publication of the 2007 Recommendations (ICRP Publication 103), the system has continued to evolve in response to advances in scientific knowledge and changes in societal values. Recent international discussions, particularly those associated with the 7th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection (ICRP 2023), have highlighted the potential need for revisions to the existing framework and the introduction of new concepts. In this context, the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan commissioned a series of projects in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to systematically review ongoing ICRP activities and to assess their potential impacts on the Japanese regulatory framework. This paper provides an overview of these projects and their key findings. Information from relevant ICRP task groups was collected and organized into seven thematic areas: (1) overarching theme on the system of radiological protection; (2) radiation detriment and classification of effects; (3) impacts of a new dose assessment system; (4) radiological protection of the environment; (5) reasonableness, tolerability, and justification; (6) exposure situations and exposure categories; and (7) individualization and stratification in radiological protection. A detailed investigation conducted in fiscal year 2025 focused on the impacts of a new dose assessment system. The results highlight the importance of clearly distinguishing between technical changes, which can be addressed through incremental regulatory revisions, and conceptual changes, which may require substantial amendments to existing laws and regulatory structures. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring of international developments and proactive national-level discussions to ensure the robustness and sustainability of radiological protection regulations in Japan.
Background The health risks associated with radon exposure have been known for decades. European legislation has established basic safety requirements for protection against hazards arising from exposure to indoor radon. European Union (EU) Member States are required to implement national radon action plans to address the long-term risks of radon exposure in homes, public buildings, and workplaces. Materials and Methods By applying the drivers, pressures, state, impact, and response model (DPSIR) to radon and incorporating key factors associated with European legislation into the causal framework, indicators were identified to assess the effectiveness of the actions implemented by national radon action plans in line with EU guidelines. Results and Discussion Since national radon action plans must take into account aspects such as radiation protection, geology, epidemiology, data management and analysis, political responsibility, building construction techniques, and communication, an extensive set of 25 effectiveness indicators associated with specific objectives of European radon legislation has been identified. It would be difficult for a policy maker to guide decisions among so many different indicators, so a core set of four effectiveness indicators has been selected based on the political relevance, analytical validity, and measurability of each indicator. Conclusion Despite the critical issues highlighted, these indicators represent the key elements of a national radon action plan in line with the European Basic Safety Standards (EU-BSS) and describe the effectiveness of primary responses in terms of potential improvements in the country’s situation.
