Radiation Exposure from Medical Diagnostic Imaging Procedures
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Radiation Risk Assessment
PS008-1 RISK ASSESSMENT POSITION STATEMENT OF THE HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY* Adopted: July 1993 Revised: April 1995 Contact: Brett Burk Executive Secretary Health Physics Society Telephone: 703-790-1745 Fax: 703-790-2672 Email: [email protected] http://www.hps.org Risk assessment is the process of describing and characterizing the nature and magnitude of a particular risk and includes gathering, assembling, and analyzing information on the risk. Risk assessment is a foundation of risk management and risk communication. In order to effectively manage risks and to communicate risks to the public, a clear understanding of the nature and magnitude of the risk at relevant exposure levels is necessary. The Health Physics Society has become increasingly concerned with the erratic application of risk assessment in the establishment of radiation protection regulations. These regulations are inconsistent, poorly coordinated among federal agencies, and inadequately communicated to the public. Examples of problem areas include (1) 100- to 1,000-fold discrepancies in permissible exposure levels among various regulations, all allegedly based on the same scientific risk-assessment data, and (2) proposed expenditures of billions of federal and private dollars to clean up radioactively contaminated federal and commercial sites without careful consideration of the actual public health benefits to be achieved. The Health Physics Society recognizes that there are many questions and uncertainties associated with the risk-assessment process and that data may be incomplete or missing. Accordingly, limitations in risk assessment must be fully recognized and made explicit in establishing regulations for the protection of the public health. The Health Physics Society supports risk assessments that are consistent, of high technical quality, unbiased, and based on sound, objective science. -
Radiation Risk in Perspective
PS010-1 RADIATION RISK IN PERSPECTIVE POSITION STATEMENT OF THE HEALTH HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY* PHYSICS SOCIETY Adopted: January 1996 Revised: August 2004 Contact: Richard J. Burk, Jr. Executive Secretary Health Physics Society Telephone: 703-790-1745 Fax: 703-790-2672 Email: [email protected] http://www.hps.org In accordance with current knowledge of radiation health risks, the Health Physics Society recommends against quantitative estimation of health risks below an individual dose of 5 rem1 in one year or a lifetime dose of 10 rem above that received from natural sources. Doses from natural background radiation in the United States average about 0.3 rem per year. A dose of 5 rem will be accumulated in the first 17 years of life and about 25 rem in a lifetime of 80 years. Estimation of health risk associated with radiation doses that are of similar magnitude as those received from natural sources should be strictly qualitative and encompass a range of hypothetical health outcomes, including the possibility of no adverse health effects at such low levels. There is substantial and convincing scientific evidence for health risks following high-dose exposures. However, below 5–10 rem (which includes occupational and environmental exposures), risks of health effects are either too small to be observed or are nonexistent. In part because of the insurmountable intrinsic and methodological difficulties in determining if the health effects that are demonstrated at high radiation doses are also present at low doses, current radiation protection standards and practices are based on the premise that any radiation dose, no matter how small, may result in detrimental health effects, such as cancer and hereditary genetic damage. -
HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY POLICY on EXPENDITURE of FUNDS for IONIZING RADIATION HEALTH EFFECTS STUDIES Approved by the Board of Directors: November 1998
HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY Specialists in Radiation Safety HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY POLICY ON EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR IONIZING RADIATION HEALTH EFFECTS STUDIES Approved by the Board of Directors: November 1998 PREMISE: 1. Funding resources for studying the health effects of human exposure to ionizing radiation are limited. 2. The number of research and study activities related to studying and understanding the health effects of ionizing radiation exceeds the funding resources available. 3. The highest priority of funding work on ionizing radiation health effects should be work with a reasonable likelihood of defining, or significantly increasing the understanding of, the carcinogenic response in the range of occupational and public exposures. 4. A second priority of funding work on ionizing radiation health effects should be work assisting in the establishment of reasonable protection criteria which do not result in an inappropriate expenditure of public funds for purported protection. This is necessary for the period in which there is a lack of definitive knowledge or understanding of the dose response. 5. Epidemiological studies alone will not provide definitive evidence of the existence or non-existence of carcinogenic effects due to low dose or low dose-rate radiation. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Do not fund epidemiological studies of exposed populations which have low statistical power and are unable to detect health effects with a reasonable statistical confidence (e.g., 90% or higher) based on the current risk estimates. 2. Do not fund epidemiological studies on populations for which there is insufficient data to properly control for known confounding factors, such as smoking history, exposure to other carcinogens, genetic pre-disposition, etc. -
Uranium Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet Adopted: December 2018 Health Physics Society Specialists in Radiation Safety 1 Uranium What is uranium? Uranium is a naturally occurring metallic element that has been present in the Earth’s crust since formation of the planet. Like many other minerals, uranium was deposited on land by volcanic action, dissolved by rainfall, and in some places, carried into underground formations. In some cases, geochemical conditions resulted in its concentration into “ore bodies.” Uranium is a common element in Earth’s crust (soil, rock) and in seawater and groundwater. Uranium has 92 protons in its nucleus. The isotope2 238U has 146 neutrons, for a total atomic weight of approximately 238, making it the highest atomic weight of any naturally occurring element. It is not the most dense of elements, but its density is almost twice that of lead. Uranium is radioactive and in nature has three primary isotopes with different numbers of neutrons. Natural uranium, 238U, constitutes over 99% of the total mass or weight, with 0.72% 235U, and a very small amount of 234U. An unstable nucleus that emits some form of radiation is defined as radioactive. The emitted radiation is called radioactivity, which in this case is ionizing radiation—meaning it can interact with other atoms to create charged atoms known as ions. Uranium emits alpha particles, which are ejected from the nucleus of the unstable uranium atom. When an atom emits radiation such as alpha or beta particles or photons such as x rays or gamma rays, the material is said to be undergoing radioactive decay (also called radioactive transformation). -
HPS Publications Style Guide
Health Physics Society Publications Style Guide January 2019 Table of Contents I. General Guidelines for HPS Documents and Web Pages ................................................... 2 A. Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. 2 B. Capitalization ............................................................................................................. 3 C. Format ........................................................................................................................ 3 D. Internet ....................................................................................................................... 4 E. Numbers, Units, and Symbols ................................................................................... 4 1. Numbers ............................................................................................................... 4 2. Units of measure .................................................................................................. 5 3. Symbols................................................................................................................ 6 F. Punctuation ................................................................................................................ 6 G. Radionuclides and Elements ...................................................................................... 8 H. References, Citations, Resources, Footnotes, and Press Releases ............................. 8 1. References -
Radiation and Risk: Expert Perspectives Radiation and Risk: Expert Perspectives SP001-1
Radiation and Risk: Expert Perspectives Radiation and Risk: Expert Perspectives SP001-1 Published by Health Physics Society 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd. Suite 402 McLean, VA 22101 Disclaimer Statements and opinions expressed in publications of the Health Physics Society or in presentations given during its regular meetings are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Health Physics Society, the editors, or the organizations with which the authors are affiliated. The editor(s), publisher, and Society disclaim any responsibility or liability for such material and do not guarantee, warrant, or endorse any product or service mentioned. Official positions of the Society are established only by its Board of Directors. Copyright © 2017 by the Health Physics Society All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America SP001-1, revised 2017 Radiation and Risk: Expert Perspectives Table of Contents Foreword……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 2 A Primer on Ionizing Radiation……………………………………………………………………………... 6 Growing Importance of Nuclear Technology in Medicine……………………………………….. 16 Distinguishing Risk: Use and Overuse of Radiation in Medicine………………………………. 22 Nuclear Energy: The Environmental Context…………………………………………………………. 27 Nuclear Power in the United States: Safety, Emergency Response Planning, and Continuous Learning…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 33 Radiation Risk: Used Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste Disposal………………………... 42 Radiation Risk: Communicating to the Public………………………………………………………… 45 After Fukushima: Implications for Public Policy and Communications……………………. 51 Appendix 1: Radiation Units and Measurements……………………………………………………. 57 Appendix 2: Half-Life of Some Radionuclides…………………………………………………………. 58 Bernard L. -
Health Physics Society 51St Annual Meeting
CENTER FOR NUCLEAR WASTE REGULATORY ANALYSES TRIP REPORT SUBJECT: Health Physics Society 51" Annual Meeting Project No. 20.6002.01.372 and 20.6002.01.01 1 AI No. 20.6002.01.372.602 DATWPLACE: June 25-29,2006 Providence, Rhode Island AUTHOR(S): James Durham and Ali Simpkins Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (CNWRA) DISTRIBUTION: DHLWRS RES G EDENW RA SwRl D. DeMarco S. Bush-Goddard W. Patrick Record Copy B, IQS V. Whipple H. Karagiannis 6. Sagar S. Kim GED Directors W. Reamer MSlB GED Managers L. Kokajko P. LaPlante E. Collins S. Sherbini R. Janetzke A. Campbell 0. Pensado K. Stablein J. Mancillas M. Bailey R. Benke J. Guttmann J. Durham W. Smith L. Howard T. McCartin 0. Osidele J. Rubenstone A. Simpkins K. Compton R. Nes M. Waters 0. Povetko B. Hill L. Gutierrez M. Shah J. Chen D. Brooks CENTER FOR NUCLEAR WASTE REGULATORY ANALYSES TRIP REPORT SUBJECT: Health Physics Society 51" Annual Meeting Project Nos. 20.6002.01.372 and 20.6002.01.01 1 AI No. 20.6002.01.372.602 DATWPLACE: June 25-29,2006 Providence, Rhode Island AUTHOR(S): James Durham and Ali Simpkins Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (CNWRA) PERSONS PRESENT: J. Durham, A. Simpkins, and over 1,000 other attendees from around the world. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF TRIP: The Health Physics Society Annual Meeting is a premier forum that allows health physicists from around the world to interact and present their technical work. The format of this year's meeting included a plenary session followed by individual sessions to present work in different areas of health physics. -
Exhibit 3 Specialty Classification Codes for Physicians, Surgeons and Other
EXHIBIT 3 SPECIALTY CLASSIFICATION CODES FOR PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS (JUA) CLASS 005 PHYSICIANS - NO SURGERY This classification generally applies to specialists hereafter listed who do not perform obstetrical procedures or surgery (other than incision of boils and superficial abscesses or suturing of skin and superficial fascia), who do not assist in surgical procedures, and who do not perform any of the procedures determined to be extra-hazardous by the Association. JUA CODES SPECIALTY DESCRIPTION 00534 Administrative Medicine – No Surgery 00508 Hematology – No Surgery 00582 Pharmacology – Clinical 00537 Physicians – Practice limited to Acupuncture (other than acupuncture anesthesia) 00556 Utilization Review 00599 Physicians Not Otherwise Classified – No Surgery (NOC) CLASS 006 PHYSICIANS - NO SURGERY This classification generally applies to specialists hereafter listed who do not perform obstetrical procedures or surgery (other than incision of boils and superficial abscesses or suturing of skin and superficial fascia), who do not assist in surgical procedures, and who do not perform any of the procedures determined to be extra-hazardous by the Association. JUA CODES SPECIALTY DESCRIPTION 00689 Aerospace Medicine 00602 Allergy/Immunology – No Surgery 00674 Geriatrics – No Surgery 00688 Independent Medical Examiner 00609 Industrial/Occupational Medicine – No Surgery 00687 Laryngology – No Surgery 00649 Nuclear Medicine – No Surgery 00685 Nutrition 00624 Occupational Medicine – Including MRO or Employment Physicals 00612 Ophthalmology – No Surgery 00613 Orthopedics – No Surgery 00665 Otolaryngology or Otorhinolaryngology – No Surgery 00684 Otology – No Surgery 00617 Preventive Medicine – No Surgery 00618 Proctology – No Surgery 00619 Psychiatry – No Surgery, including Psychoanalysts who treat physical ailments, perform electro- convulsive procedures or employ extensive drug therapy. -
Radiation Basics
Environmental Impact Statement for Remediation of Area IV \'- f Susana Field Laboratory .A . &at is radiation? Ra - -.. - -. - - . known as ionizing radiatios bScause it can produce charged.. particles (ions)..- in matter. .-- . 'I" . .. .. .. .- . - .- . -- . .-- - .. What is radioactivity? Radioactivity is produced by the process of radioactive atmi trying to become stable. Radiation is emitted in the process. In the United State! Radioactive radioactivity is measured in units of curies. Smaller fractions of the curie are the millicurie (111,000 curie), the microcurie (111,000,000 curie), and the picocurie (1/1,000,000 microcurie). Particle What is radioactive material? Radioactive material is any material containing unstable atoms that emit radiation. What are the four basic types of ionizing radiation? Aluminum Leadl Paper foil Concrete Adphaparticles-Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons. They can travel only a few centimeters in air and can be stopped easily by a sheet of paper or by the skin's surface. Betaparticles-Beta articles are smaller and lighter than alpha particles and have the mass of a single electron. A high-energy beta particle can travel a few meters in the air. Beta particles can pass through a sheet of paper, but may be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum foil or glass. Gamma rays-Gamma rays (and x-rays), unlike alpha or beta particles, are waves of pure energy. Gamma radiation is very penetrating and can travel several hundred feet in air. Gamma radiation requires a thick wall of concrete, lead, or steel to stop it. Neutrons-A neutron is an atomic particle that has about one-quarter the weight of an alpha particle. -
Radiation Safety in Fluoroscopy
Radiation Safety for New Medical Physics Graduate Students John Vetter, PhD Medical Physics Department UW School of Medicine & Public Health Background and Purpose of This Training . This is intended as a brief introduction to radiation safety from the perspective of a Medical Physicist. Have a healthy respect for radiation without an undue fear of it. The learning objectives are: . To point out the sources of ionizing radiation in everyday life and at work. To present an overview of the health effects of ionizing radiation. To show basic concepts and techniques used to protect against exposure to ionizing radiation. Further training in Radiation Safety can be found at: https://ehs.wisc.edu/radiation-safety-training/ Outline . Ionizing Radiation . Definition, Quantities & Units . Levels of Radiation Exposure . Background & Medical . Health Effects of Radiation Exposure . Stochastic & Deterministic . Limits on Radiation Exposure . Rationale for Exposure Limits . Minimizing Radiation Exposure . Time, Distance, Shielding, Containment Definition of Ionizing Radiation . Radiation can be thought of as energy in motion. Electromagnetic radiation is pure energy that moves at the speed of light in the form of photons and includes: radio waves; microwaves; infrared, visible and ultraviolet light; x-rays and γ-rays. A key difference between these forms of electromagnetic radiation is the amount of energy that each photon carries. Some ultraviolet light, and X-rays and Gamma-rays have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms as they are absorbed, forming positive and negatively charged ions. These forms of radiation are called ionizing radiation. Radio waves, microwaves, infrared and visible light do not have enough energy to ionize atoms. -
4.3 Medical Care Health Care (NCCHC), and Shall Maintain I
with the National Commission on Correctional 4.3 Medical Care Health Care (NCCHC), and shall maintain compliance with those standards. I. Purpose and Scope 2. The facility shall have a mental health staffing This detention standard ensures that detainees have component on call to respond to the needs of the access to appropriate and necessary medical, dental detainee population 24 hours a day, seven days a and mental health care, including emergency week. services. 3. The facility shall provide communication This detention standard applies to the following assistance to detainees with disabilities and types of facilities housing ICE/ERO detainees: detainees who are limited in their English • Service Processing Centers (SPCs); proficiency (LEP). The facility will provide detainees with disabilities with effective • Contract Detention Facilities (CDFs); and communication, which may include the • State or local government facilities used by provision of auxiliary aids, such as readers, ERO through Intergovernmental Service materials in Braille, audio recordings, telephone Agreements (IGSAs) to hold detainees for more handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with than 72 hours. hearing aids, telecommunications devices for deaf persons (TTYs), interpreters, and note-takers, as Procedures in italics are specifically required for needed. The facility will also provide detainees SPCs, CDFs, and Dedicated IGSA facilities. Non- who are LEP with language assistance, including dedicated IGSA facilities must conform to these bilingual staff or professional interpretation and procedures or adopt, adapt or establish alternatives, translation services, to provide them with provided they meet or exceed the intent represented meaningful access to its programs and activities. by these procedures. All written materials provided to detainees shall For all types of facilities, procedures that appear in generally be translated into Spanish. -
When Treatment Becomes Trauma: Defining, Preventing, and Transforming Medical Trauma
Suggested APA style reference information can be found at http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/vistas Article 73 When Treatment Becomes Trauma: Defining, Preventing, and Transforming Medical Trauma Paper based on a program presented at the 2013 American Counseling Association Conference, March 24, Cincinnati, OH. Michelle Flaum Hall and Scott E. Hall Flaum Hall, Michelle, is an assistant professor in Counseling at Xavier University and has written and presented on the topic of medical trauma, post- traumatic growth, and wellness for nine years. Hall, Scott E., is an associate professor in Counselor Education and Human Services at the University of Dayton and has written and presented on trauma, depression, growth, and wellness for 18 years. Abstract Medical trauma, while not a common term in the lexicon of the health professions, is a phenomenon that deserves the attention of mental and physical healthcare providers. Trauma experienced as a result of medical procedures, illnesses, and hospital stays can have lasting effects. Those who experience medical trauma can develop clinically significant reactions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, complicated grief, and somatic complaints. In addition to clinical disorders, secondary crises—including developmental, physical, existential, relational, occupational, spiritual, and of self—can lead people to seek counseling for ongoing support, growth, and healing. While counselors are central in treating the aftereffects of medical trauma and helping clients experience posttraumatic growth, the authors suggest the importance of mental health practitioners in the prevention and assessment of medical trauma within an integrated health paradigm. The prevention and treatment of trauma-related illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been of increasing concern to health practitioners and policy makers in the United States (Tedstone & Tarrier, 2003).