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 84
- Downloads 0
Activity of β-galactosidase and α-mannosidase in the serum of patients with colon adenocarcinoma
Exoglycosidases β-galactosidase (GAL) and α-mannosidase (MAN) take part in the synthesis of glycoconjugates in the endoplasmatic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, as well as their degradation in the lysosomes. An increase...
Skrajna hiponatremia w przebiegu zespołu niedostosowanego wydzielania hormonu antydiuretycznego (SIADH) u chorego na drobnokomórkowego raka płuca – opis przypadku i przegląd piśmiennictwa
Wstęp: Celem pracy jest przedstawienie przypadku pełnoobjawowego zespołu SIADH ze skrajną hiponatremią u chorego na drobnokomórkowego raka płuca w początkowym etapie leczenia cytostatykami. Opis przypadku: 64-letniego m...
Endoscopic diagnostics in colorectal carcinoma
Increacing incidence of colorectal carcinoma in polish population demands development of new endoscopic diagnostic methods as well as improvement of existing ones. The most important factor influencing the treatment re...
The effect of ionising radiation upon the cellular DNA
Ionising radiation applied in the therapy of tumour diseases, are inducing formation of various DNA damages. This can interact with DNA molecules and evoke alkaline ionisation and this is the direct effect or through rad...
Advances in the management of malignant glinoma recurrence
Since virtually all malignant gliomas relapse after primary treatment the management of relapsing glioma is a common clinical dilemma. Before making a decision on choice of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy as a tr...