Utilization of Radium 226 from the oncology center - evaluation of staff exposure
Journal Title: Współczesna Onkologia - Year 2007, Vol 11, Issue 1
Abstract
226Ra found application in oncological therapy due to its long half-life and the type of emitted radiation. After many years of application it was replaced by less radiotoxic short-lived isotopes. In some oncology centres 226Ra is still stored even though it is not used in therapy. The necessity of sealing it in glass, which is associated with long-lasting and direct exposure of a worker to radiation, is an indispensable condition if radium is to be collected by the Radioactive Waste Disposal Plant. The aim of the study is to present the problem of radium utilization on the basis of our own experience, which will make it easier to perform these activities in other oncology centers in Poland. After the initial analysis, it was calculated that a person working for 3 hours at a distance of 50 cm from 72 unprotected sources of radium 266 of total activity of 31 GBq would be exposed to a dose of 91.5 mSv. As this dose is about five times higher than the annual effective dose for category A workers, work in such conditions is strictly prohibited. After application of a lead shield, decrease of the dose (simultaneous exposure to the activity of only 5 sources) and the use of a hand-held gas burner enabling work behind the lead shield, a worker sealing radium in glass is exposed to a dose of 2 mSv. Estimation of the exposure was performed on the basis of individual and environmental dosimetry, measurement of radioactive contamination and dose rate. Mathematically calculated analysis of the hazard enabling determination of precise working conditions is a necessity which must be fulfilled before performing these activities. In the evaluation of hazard, not only external exposure was taken into account but also the possibility of external and internal exposure as well. Before starting work leakproofness of the sources was controlled.
Authors and Affiliations
Grzegorz Andryskowski
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP83775
- DOI -
- Views 83
- Downloads 0
Zaburzenia hemostazy a nasilenie procesu neoangiogenezy u chorych na raka piersi
Występowanie wzmożonej aktywacji układu krzepnięcia i fibrynolizy w chorobie nowotworowej jest od wielu lat przedmiotem badań. Zgromadzono dowody na to, że nie jest to tylko zjawisko towarzyszące i przyczyna powikłań, al...
Epidemiologia raka jelita grubego
Epidemiologia raka płuca w Koninie i Pile w latach 1993–2002, w miastach o odrębnej strukturze geograficzno-przemysłowej
Wstęp: Złe rokowanie i stały wzrost liczby zachorowań sprawia, że rak płuca jest największym problemem współczesnej onkologii. Z badań wynika, że palenie papierosów jest przyczyną ok. 80% przypadków raka płuca. Obserwu...
Mielotoksyczność leczenia radioizotopem samaru (153Sm) chorych na raka piersi z przerzutami do kości; jej wpływ na następowe leczenie cytostatykami
Wstęp: Przerzuty do kości występują u ok. 75 proc. chorych na raka piersi; układ kostny jest tym samym najczęstszym miejscem rozsiewu tego nowotworu. Co więcej, u wielu chorych pozostaną one jedynym miejscem rozsiewu. Le...
Chordomas: long-term results of postoperative irradiation. Prognostic factors
Aim of the study: To determine the value of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with chordoma and to identify the prognostic factors. Materials and methods: Twenty-two patients with chordoma were irradiated in Crac...