Ionizing radiation and radiation protection

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannette Kathrin Kraft ◽  
Peter Howells
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Natural Background ◽  
Image Guided ◽  
Potential Risks

Ionizing radiation continues to revolutionize the diagnostic process in medicine. However, it comes with risks to patients and staff. The amount of radiation patients receive is rising, mainly due to the use of high-dose examinations such as computed tomography and image-guided interventional procedures. In some countries, the amount of radiation a population receives from medical use is already larger than that from natural background radiation. A basic knowledge of radiation effects on the human body and radiation protection principles enables clinicians to assess potential risks associated with ionizing radiation and guides the choice of investigation.

Ionizing radiation and radiation protection

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannette Kathrin Kraft ◽  
Peter Howells
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Informed Choice ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Examination Techniques ◽  
Potential Risks

Ionizing radiation has been revolutionizing the diagnostic process in medicine. However, its use is not without risk, necessitating protection of patients and staff from potential harm. The amount of radiation patients receive continues to rise, mainly due to the use of high-dose examination techniques such as computed tomography and image-guided interventional procedures. In some countries, the amount of radiation a population receives from medical use is already larger than that from natural background radiation. Therefore, a basic knowledge of radiation effects on the human body, radiation protection principles, and relevant legislation is of great importance to all clinicians. This will enable doctors to assess potential risks associated with ionizing radiation in medical imaging and to make an informed choice when different investigations are available to assess a patient.

scholarly journals The Response of Living Organisms to Low Radiation Environment and Its Implications in Radiation Protection

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Belli ◽  
Luca Indovina
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Natural Background ◽  
Natural Background Radiation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Epigenetic Effects ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Living Organisms

Life has evolved on Earth for about 4 billion years in the presence of the natural background of ionizing radiation. It is extremely likely that it contributed, and still contributes, to shaping present form of life. Today the natural background radiation is extremely small (few mSv/y), however it may be significant enough for living organisms to respond to it, perhaps keeping memory of this exposure. A better understanding of this response is relevant not only for improving our knowledge on life evolution, but also for assessing the robustness of the present radiation protection system at low doses, such as those typically encountered in everyday life. Given the large uncertainties in epidemiological data below 100 mSv, quantitative evaluation of these health risk is currently obtained with the aid of radiobiological models. These predict a health detriment, caused by radiation-induced genetic mutations, linearly related to the dose. However a number of studies challenged this paradigm by demonstrating the occurrence of non-linear responses at low doses, and of radioinduced epigenetic effects, i.e., heritable changes in genes expression not related to changes in DNA sequence. This review is focused on the role that epigenetic mechanisms, besides the genetic ones, can have in the responses to low dose and protracted exposures, particularly to natural background radiation. Many lines of evidence show that epigenetic modifications are involved in non-linear responses relevant to low doses, such as non-targeted effects and adaptive response, and that genetic and epigenetic effects share, in part, a common origin: the reactive oxygen species generated by ionizing radiation. Cell response to low doses of ionizing radiation appears more complex than that assumed for radiation protection purposes and that it is not always detrimental. Experiments conducted in underground laboratories with very low background radiation have even suggested positive effects of this background. Studying the changes occurring in various living organisms at reduced radiation background, besides giving information on the life evolution, have opened a new avenue to answer whether low doses are detrimental or beneficial, and to understand the relevance of radiobiological results to radiation protection.

Conceptual Approach to Creating a Complex System of Radiation Protection in the Conditions of Influence of High-Dose Fields of Ionizing Radiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
V. Solov'ev ◽  
Andrey Bushmanov ◽  
V. Zorin ◽  
M. Grachev
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Human Operator ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Red Bone Marrow ◽  
Important Place

The general approaches and criteria for substantiating the complex system of radiation protection (RP) of a human operator in the conditions of work in high-dose fields of ionizing radiation are considered. When planning work in such conditions, it is advisable to consider a set of measures of an organizational, technical and medical nature. Each activity has its measures own limits to reduce the dose load on the human operator or the development of adverse effects of radiation, and in some cases only a combination of them can give a certain protective effect, allowing to carry out the necessary activities in such conditions. If an operator works in mobile technical facilities (for example, a bulldozer, a caterpillar all-terrain vehicle, a helicopter, etc.) an important place is occupied by the issue of strengthening the technical component of the RP, primarily by engineering the design of additional shield elements. The biomedical rationale for the optimality of such protection is givenensuring maximum protection of vital organs, in the first place, red bone marrow, a significant volume of which is concentrated in the bones in the lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and pelvis. Several examples of the performance of professional activity of operator in the conditions of high-dose ionizing radiation fields and an expert evaluation of the limiting capabilities of the technical and medical component of the integrated RP are considered.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Knowledge of CT Scanner Operators on the Use of Dose Reduction Software Called Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) During a CT Scan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Fotso Kamdem ◽  
Odette Ngano Samba ◽  
Serge Abogo ◽  
Joshua Tambe ◽  
Jean Claude Mballa Amougou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Imaging ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Dose Reduction ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Ct Scanner ◽  
Wrong Answer ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Radiology Technicians ◽  
Public And Private Hospitals

Abstract Objectif : Evaluate the knowledge of medical imaging technicians on the use of dose reduction software and the concept of patient radiation protection.Materials and methods : Descriptive and analytical transversal study from January 1 to December 1, 2020, conducted in the radiology and medical imaging services of Cameroon's public and private hospitals with a CT scanner. It was the first study on this topic that was conducted in Cameroon. This study was conducted from a questionnaire distributed to all medical imaging technicians in 10 country hospitals relating to the notions of dose reduction software and patient radiation protection.Results: 80 questionnaires were distributed and analyzed. The average age of medical imaging technicians was 30 years old. There were 32 women and 48 men. Most of the medical imaging technicians worked in private centers (n = 6). 75% of medical imaging technicians had been in practice for more than 5 years. 75% of medical imaging technicians gave the wrong answer regarding the use of dose reduction software. Finally, only a third of the practitioners had received training in patient radiation protection.Conclusion : Although the majority of medical imaging technicians declares to take into account the dangers related to ionizing radiation during examinations, a broader dissemination of patient radiation protection training and the use of dose reduction software, particularly during the initial curriculum. Radiology technicians could be one of the solutions to improve the knowledge of hospital practitioners in patient radiation protection. However, the use of ionizing radiation, however, need to know and take into account the potential risks of radio-induced cancer linked to high X-ray doses.

Modeling of high-dose-rate transient ionizing radiation effects in bipolar devices

2001 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1721-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.A. Fjeldly ◽  
Y. Deng ◽  
M.S. Shur ◽  
H.P. Hjalmarson ◽  
A. Muyshondt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Dose Rate ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
High Dose Rate ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Bipolar Devices

scholarly journals Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Human Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (03) ◽  
pp. 200-205
Author(s):  
Ashish Chaturvedi ◽  
Vinod Jain
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Medical Benefits ◽  
Radiation Induced Cancer ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Effects Of Radiation

The effects of radiation was first recognized in the use of X-rays for medical diagnosis. The rush in exploiting the medical benefits led fairly to the recognition of the risks and induced harm associated with it. In the early days, the most obvious harm resulting from high doses of radiation, such as radiation burns were observed and protection efforts were focused on their prevention, mainly for practitioners rather than patients. Although the issue was narrow, this lead to the origin of radiation protection as a discipline. Subsequently, it was gradually recognized that there were other, less obvious, harmful radiation effects such as radiation-induced cancer, for which there is a certain risk even at low doses of radiation. This risk cannot be completely prevented but can only be minimized. Therefore, the balancing of benefits from nuclear and radiation practices against radiation risk and efforts to reduce the residual risk has become a major feature of radiation protection. In this paper, we shall be looking at the precautionary measures for protecting life, properties and environment against ionizing radiation.

Aggressive phenotype for prostate cancer cells that survive high-dose ionizing radiation.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 236-236
Author(s):  
Tao Wang ◽  
Robert Carraway ◽  
Joshua Briggs ◽  
Thomas J Fitzgerald
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Aggressive Phenotype

236 Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is an important primary treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa). However, certain patients can relapse and become resistant to RT. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying RT resistance, we studied human PCa cells that survive fractionated high dose IR in vitro. Methods: DU145 (DU), a human cell line from PCa metastasized to brain, was exposed to fractionated ionizing radiation (IR) up to 40 Gy. The cancer biology of the surviving cells (DUIR) after 4 month in culture was studied. Cell growth and survival were assessed using cell counting, SRB and clonogenic assay. Invasiveness was measured using Boyden chambers. Caspase activity was determined for apoptosis. Activation of signaling molecules and expression of biomarkers was assessed using Immunoblot. Hormone binding to receptors was assayed using iodinated ligands. Results: Whereas DU was squamous in shape, DUIR displayed fibroblast-like morphology with long protrusions resembling cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confirmed by reduced E-cadherin and enhanced vimentin expression. DUIR cells showed higher level of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) and chromogranin B resembling a neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype. DUIR has significantly higher survival than DU when exposed to IR (6–10 Gy) or zinc-directed toxins and grows significantly faster in response to serum or NT at a dose dependent manner. Addition of NTR1 antagonist SR486923 abolished the NT enhanced cell growth. DUIR had increased invasiveness through the matrigel-coated membrane. ERK and PKC, but not AKT, were constitutively active in DUIR. BCL2 level was upregulated in DUIR. NT stimulation reduced apoptosis while SR486923 enhanced apoptosis in DUIR cells upon IR. Conclusions: PCa cells that survive high dose IR display an aggressive phenotype characterized by NE and EMT features including invasion and resistance to IR/drug induced cell death. These changes could be due to constitutive activation of growth signaling pathways and upregulation of anti-apoptosis/necrosis molecules. Further study may provide insight into the mechanism of cellular resistance to therapy and establish strategies for novel therapeutic applications.

scholarly journals Metrology for radiation protection: a new European network in the foundation phase

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Annette Röttger ◽  
Attila Veres ◽  
Vladimir Sochor ◽  
Massimo Pinto ◽  
Michal Derlacinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Imaging ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Medical Application ◽  
Ionising Radiation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
The Mean

Abstract. More than 23 million workers worldwide are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation and all people in the world are exposed to environmental radiation. The mean exposure, that is the mean annual dose of per person, is dominated by medical applications and exposure to natural sources. Due to recent developments in healthcare, e.g. the increasing application of ionising radiation in medical imaging with relative high doses like CT, and modern high dose applications (for example CT angiography), the exposure due to medical application has risen. Additionally, the changes in living conditions increase the exposure to natural radioactivity also: More living time is spent in buildings or in an urban environment, which causes higher exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in building materials and higher exposure to radon. The level of radon activity concentration in buildings is far higher than in the environment (outdoor). This effect is often amplified by modern energy-efficient buildings which reduce the air exchange and thus increase the radon indoor activity concentration. In summary both medical application of ionizing radiation and natural sources are responsible for the increase of the mean annual exposure of the population. The accurate measurement of radiation dose is key to ensuring safety but there are two challenges to be faced: First, new standards and reference fields are needed due to the rapid developments in medical imaging, radiotherapy and industrial applications. Second, direct communication channels are needed to ensure that information on best practice in measurements reaches effectively and quickly the people concerned. It is therefore necessary to allow for an international exchange of information on identified problems and solutions. Consequently, a European Metrology Network (EMN) for radiation protection under the roof of EURAMET is in the foundation phase. This network EMN for Radiation Protection is being prepared by the project EMPIR 19NET03 supportBSS. The project aims to prepare this EMN by addressing this issue through the identification of stakeholder research needs and by implementing a long-term ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and the metrology community. The EMN will serve as a unique point of contact to address all metrological needs related to radiation protection and it will relate to all environmental processes where ionising radiation and radionuclides are involved. A Strategic Research Agenda and two roadmaps are in development, covering the metrology needs of both the Euratom Treaty and the EU Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM pinning down the basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, long-term knowledge sharing, and capacity building will be supported and a proposal for a sustainable joint European metrology infrastructure is under way. This will significantly strengthen the radiation protection metrology and support radiation protection measures. The final goal of the network project is a harmonised, sustainable, coordinated and smartly specialised infrastructure to underpin the current and future needs expressed in the European regulations for radiation protection.

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