Stray radiation from baggage x-ray equipment: Results and implications

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Health Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-198907000-00017· OSTI ID:5560656

Maharaj, H P ^[1]

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1. Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)

An investigation into the stray radiation from baggage x-ray equipment was conducted by using survey data that spanned an 8-year period (1978-1985) in conjunction with operator dose equivalent and exposure estimates based on a semi-empirical model. Less than 8% of the equipment emitted levels in excess of the regulatory limit of 0.13 microC kg-1 h-1 (0.5 mR h-1), but in no case was there a radiation health hazard to the equipment operators, allied security personnel, law enforcement officers and members of the public. Current evidence (namely, measured data and the semi-empirical model dose equivalent and exposure estimates) indicates that occupational exposures are well below the annual dose equivalent limit of 5 mSv (0.5 rem) recommended by the ICRP for non-radiation workers. Reviewing maintenance and operational procedures, monitoring design changes on new equipment, conducting limited routine surveys and educating personnel appear sufficient to preclude a radiation hazard.

• OSTI ID: 5560656
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Health Physics; (USA) Vol. 57:1; ISSN 0017-9078; ISSN HLTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
DOSES
EDUCATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIPMENT
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PRIMATES
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIATIONS
SAFETY
SCATTERING
SURVEYS
VERTEBRATES
X RADIATION
X-RAY EQUIPMENT