Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 3 ), 220 – 224 © R . Y . Nasr et al ., Published by EDP Sciences 2024 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2024019
Available online at : www . radioprotection . org ARTICLE
Occupational eye lens dose among nuclear medicine workers in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia
R . Y . Nasr 1 ,* , S . K . Albahiti 1 , 2 , M . Khafaji 1 , 2 , N . G . Shabib 3 and R . A . Malabari 3
1 Department of Radiology , King Abdulaziz University Hospital , King Abdulaziz University , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia . 2 Department of Radiology , Faculty of Medicine , King Abdulaziz University , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia . 3 Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia .
Received : 2 October 2023 / Accepted : 27 May 2024
Abstract – Background : Exposure to ionizing radiation remains a major concern in nuclear medicine , especially given the possible health risks posed to medical personnel . Additionally , since the occupational eye dose limit was lowered in 2011 to an equivalent dose of 20 mSv / yr , new implications have extended to roles within nuclear medicine units . The goal of this investigation was to determine the current occupational radiation eye doses for nuclear medicine employees . Methods : A 5 yr retrospective assessment was performed on staff members involved in all nuclear medicine imaging from different categories . Optically Stimulated Luminescence ( OSL ) badges were used to measure occupational dose . The H-lens values were calculated for each staff member during this period . Results : Significant differences were observed between individual staff members in terms of H-lens values . They were significantly higher among hot lab technicians than among NIC ( p < 0.001 ) and NM ( p < 0.0001 ) technicians . Conclusions : Although none of the participants exceeded the eye dose limit for ionizing radiation exposure , there was significant variation in exposure across various roles and expertise . The annual average eye dose ranged from 0.2 mSv to 2.9 mSv , which is within the advised dose limit .
Keywords : eye lens dose / nuclear medicine / radiation protection / occupational doses
1 Introduction
The field of nuclear medicine , an integral aspect of modern healthcare , has witnessed an unprecedented surge in recent years . While this growth has brought remarkable diagnostic and therapeutic benefits to patients , it also poses potential risks owing to prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation , particularly in sensitive areas , such as the eyes ( Bernier , 2018 ).
The International Commission on Radiological Protection ( ICRP ) acknowledged these risks , changed the threshold to the eye lens to 0.5 Gy , and revised its guidelines in 2011 , lowering the occupational eye dose limit to an equivalent dose of 20 mSv / yr averaged over defined 5 yr periods , with no single year exceeding 50 mSv ( ICRP , 2012 ). This significant reduction from the previous standard of 150 mSv / yr has implications extending to the broader nuclear industry . This impacts the daily workload of the staff involved in radiation-emitting devices and procedures , including nurses , surgeons , medical technologists , radiologists , and other personnel .
* Corresponding author : Ranim . nasr1995 @ gmail . com ; rnasr @ kau . edu . sa
These updated guidelines highlight the importance of assessing and minimizing occupational eye dose exposure , establishing rigorous eye protection protocols , and improving eye lens estimation methods for effective compliance ( ICRP , 2012 ). The need for improved methods is underscored by the lack of robust mathematical models and phantoms dedicated to this field .
The precise occupational eye dose experienced by nuclear staff remains largely undefined despite growing concerns over occupational exposure . Research on the deterministic effects of radiation has shown that radiation exposure can lead to lens opacity , even at doses as low as 0.2 Gy ( Covens , 2007 ). However , the stochastic effects of radiation exposure on the eyes remain unknown .
According to a study conducted in Colorado , technicians ’ occupational exposure from handling radioactive materials accounted for 60 % of their yearly dose and with patient interactions accounting for 40 % ( Seierstad , 2007 ). Wearing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is essential but was not enough due to large energy of annihilation radiation . They concluded that it is possible to maintain moderate doses for technicians by rotating the personnel and duties ( Seierstad , 2007 ).
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