A SURVEY OF DENTAL X-RAY MACHINES IN IDAHO

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Industrial Medicine and Surgery (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4747637

Young, W P; Burkhardt, H L; Alsager, M

Surveys were conducted of 200 machines owned by 194 dentists. The survey consisted of: a visual check of the condition of the machine; determination of whether adequate aluminum filtration and a lead washer were installed; and a check of the condition of the tube housing shielding with a radiation survey meter. The exposures received by the dentist and his assistant while in their normal positions were also measured. Recommended changes in operating technique were: operation at a higher voltage and lower amperage; use of high- speed film; and underexposure and overdevelopment of the film. Before washers and filters were changed it was found that the equivalent filtration in 161 machines was less than 2.5 mm of aluminum, 19 machines had 2.5 mm, and 20 had an unknown amount. Before the program was initiated the beam diameter of 100 machines was 2.75 in.; 71 were larger than 2.75 in., and in 29 cases, unknown. Emulsion rating of film used initially was: 120 dentists used fast, 67 intermediate, 6 slow, and 7 films of unknown speed. The operating kilovoltage varied widely: 11 operated at 50-3 kv, 117 at 65-7, 29 at 70-2, 15 at 80-90, and 18 at an unknown voltage. It was found that 11 machines still in use were manufactured before 1935, 23 were manufactured from 1935 to 1944, 44 from 1955 to 1960, and 20 had an unknown date of manufacture. Although in most instances radiation levels did not approach the maximum allowable limits, it was recommended all unnecessary radiation exposure be eliminated. (H.H.D.)

• Research Organization: Idaho Dept. of Health, Boise
• NSA Number: NSA-17-016340
• OSTI ID: 4747637
• Journal Information: Industrial Medicine and Surgery (U.S.), Journal Name: Industrial Medicine and Surgery (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 30; ISSN IMSUA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
ALUMINUM
BEAMS
BONES
CONFIGURATION
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRON TUBES
FILTERS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
LEAD
MEASURED VALUES
MONITORING
NUCLEAR EMULSIONS
PERFORMANCE
PERSONNEL
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOGRAPHY
SAFETY
SHIELDING
STANDARDS
THICKNESS