Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 3 ), 173 – 183 © G . Rincón et al ., published by EDP Sciences 2024 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2024004
Available online at : www . radioprotection . org
ARTICLE
Risk perception among workers exposed to ionizing radiation : a qualitative view
G . Rincón 1 ,* , Y . González 2 and C . Sánchez 1
1 Universidad Antonio Nariño-Bogotá- Doctorate in Applied Sciences , Career 1 # 47 a 15 , Bogotá , 110231 , Colombia . 2 Universidad Antonio Nariño-Bogotá , Faculty of Psychology , Street 22 South # 12 D 81 , Block 2 , South Campus , Bogotá , Colombia .
Received : 1 April 2023 / Accepted : 24 January 2024
Abstract – Ionizing radiation is energy in wave or particle form that can be absorbed by occupationally exposed professionals . With exposure , diseases may occur as defined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans 2000 . Therefore , identifying hazards , assessing risks , and evaluating experiences of the involved parties , available resources , and work processes is necessary . We analysed risk perception compared with the pillars of radiological protection ( justification / optimization / limitation ) and the principles of distance / time / shielding . We used qualitative methodology under the phenomenological paradigm to assess participants perceptions regarding the ionizing radiation risk using conversational interviews . The data collection period was 2019 – 2020 . The interpretative work was conducted by thematizing interviews , which were categorised and schematized for analysis . The practices of five participants with at least 20 years of experience in radiation use were explored . Five categories were identified . We found that the ‘ As Low As Reasonably Achievable ’ principle was recognised based on distance / time / shielding and according to the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) and Bonn Call for Action . The justification associated with the risk / benefit was not associated with the fear of being wrong , with the understanding that , according to the IAEA , 30 % of procedures are not justified .
Keywords : ionizing / radiation / ethic / radiation risk / protection
1 Introduction
Risk perception and the understanding thereof is reflected through thoughts communicated by the senses , complemented by judgement and experience ; this relationship translates into the perception of danger ( Baquerin et al ., 2013 ). The generated opinion depends on the information received , which attenuates or magnifies the observed risk ( Prades et al ., 1999 ). A subjective assessment then occurs to measure the probability of an accident , incident , or illness due to risk exposure ( Rodríguez et al ., 2015 ).
Ionizing radiation exposure represents a frequent uncertainty when identifying hazards and assessing risks and safety in occupational health ( Min Trabajo , 2015 ; Ferdiana , 2022 ). Weighting methodologies with quantifiable scales have been used to identify hazards and assess risks ( NTC , 2004 ; GTC , 2012 ); however , perception has an individual connotation and varies widely , and personal attributes valued by whoever is exposed should be considered ( Rodríguez et al ., 2015 ). These
* Corresponding author : grincon46 @ uan . edu . co differences arise from a lack of objective information or comprehension rather than training ( Arranz , 2010 ), as the information is based on limiting doses to acceptable levels ( ICRP , 1991 ; ICRP , 2007 ), depending on defined contexts and concern associated with radiation use and likelihood of delayed effects ( Richardson et al ., 2015 ; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education , 2017 ). The effects trigger disease development in target organs , haematological alterations , or solid cancer formation ( Sasaki et al ., 2014 ; Hernández et al ., 2020 ), resulting in increased healthcare burdens that translate to disability , loss of working capacity , or disability pension payments ( Riesgos Laborales , 2011 ; Min Trabajo , 2014 ).
Knowledge of subjective information on exposure to ionizing radiation motivated us to conduct this study , which involved X-ray technologists who manipulate the emitting sources for diagnosis and treatment .
In addition , presence of diseases induced by working with ionizing radiation may occur , so it is necessary to evaluate indirect factors such as compensation payments , family violence or fear due to its use ( Hori , 2020 ), which can hurt the mental health of workers and the psychological and social consequences in the lives of large populations ( Raisio , 2023 )
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