Radiation
Exposure to radiation from portable and fixed X-ray machines used for diagnostic procedures is a potential risk Exposure occurs when unprotected employees are near a machine in operation.
Radiation exposure occurs when unprotected employees are near a machine in operation.
The degree of exposure depends on:
- amount of radiation
- duration of exposure
- distance from the source
- type of shielding in place
The health effects of radiation exposure are somatic (body) and/or genetic (offspring) in nature. The effects may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
- Acute: Erythema and dermatitis. Large whole-body exposures cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and death.
- Chronic: Skin cancer and bone marrow suppression. Genetic effects may lead to congenital defects in the employee's offspring.
Most control methods to prevent or reduce exposure to radiation involve engineering controls which take advantage of the energy absorption and scattering qualities of lead.
- Equip X-ray rooms with a barrier wall with a lead-platted glass window so technician can step behind barrier wall to take the x-ray, and avoid radiation exposure.
- Lead plated glass is also used as a barrier to protect against radiation exposure when procedures must be done close to the patient.
- Lead strips provide some protection from radiation exposure for employee running fluoroscopy procedures.
- Lead aprons and lead gloves offer some protection for employees and patients and should be worn in the direct x-ray field. Opaque goggles are to be worn in the direct x-ray field.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-8. Most control methods to reduce exposure to radiation involve the absorption and scattering qualities of _____.
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