Nine-year evaluation of emergency department personnel exposure to ionizing radiation

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Ann. Emerg. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0196-0644(87)80183-X· OSTI ID:6694690

Grazer, R E; Meislin, H W; Westerman, B R; Criss, E A

Emergency department personnel experience potential occupational hazards from exposure to ionizing radiation (x-rays). To assess this risk, ionizing radiation exposure was analyzed during a nine-year period for 128 ED personnel. The group consisted of 21 physicians, 92 nurses, and 15 ancillary personnel. Exposure was measured for both penetrating and nonpenetrating radiation using standard film dosimeter badges. Film badge use compliance was 66.7% for physicians, 86.2% for nurses, and 86.7% for ancillary personnel. Penetrating radiation exposure averaged 0.12 mrem/month for physicians, 0.70 mrem/month for nurses, and 0 mrem/month for ancillary personnel, all less than the average natural background exposure. We concluded that if standard radiation precautions are taken, the occupational risk from ionizing radiation exposure to personnel in the ED is minimal, and that routine monitoring of radiation exposure of ED personnel is unnecessary.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Arizona, Tucson
• OSTI ID: 6694690
• Journal Information: Ann. Emerg. Med.; (United States), Vol. 3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
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PERSONNEL DOSIMETRY
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560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man