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Unit 21 A
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Medical Physics ApplicationsIntroduction
Ionising and non-ionizing radiation technologies are essential to contemporary
medical diagnosis and care. Despite their great value, these technologies have built-
in health and safety hazards that call for strict precautions. With an emphasis on how
hospitals can successfully apply safety protocols to protect both operators and
patients, this assignment attempts to thoroughly analyse these hazards, their related
side effects, and restrictions. It will also explore the applicable laws and rules that
control the usage of these technologies and go over the possible repercussions of
breaking these rules.
Limitations, Side Effects, and Health and Safety Risks
Radiation Ionisation
X-rays, gamma rays, and particles like alpha and beta particles are examples of
ionising radiation. Due to its capacity to ionise atoms within the body and perhaps
cause DNA changes, ionising radiation primarily poses a concern to human health in
the form of cellular damage and an elevated risk of cancer. Radiation sickness,
typified by symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion, can result after
acute exposure. Even at lower exposure levels, chronic exposure raises the
possibility of long-term consequences such as genetic abnormalities and a variety of
malignancies.
The dosage and length of exposure determine the side effects of ionising radiation.
Skin burns and hair loss are examples of short-term side effects; cataracts and heart
disease are examples of long-term negative effects. The main issues with ionising
radiation technologies are dose control and the requirement for strong shielding to
prevent overexposure of patients and healthcare personnel.
Non-Ionising Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV), visible, infrared (IR), microwave, and radiofrequency (RF) radiation
are all considered non-ionizing radiation. Although often less severe than those of
ionising radiation, non-ionizing radiation nonetheless poses a considerable risk to
human health. While infrared radiation (IR) primarily offers concerns associated with
,tissue heating, which can result in burns and eye damage, ultraviolet radiation can
cause skin burns and raise the risk of skin cancer.
Erythema, or redness of the skin, and photokeratitis, or damage to the eyes, are side
effects of non-ionising radiation. Thermal injuries result from extended exposure to
infrared or microwave radiation. The application of non-ionizing radiation technology
is constrained by limitations on power density, exposure time, and maintaining safe
distances to reduce hazards.
Hospital Safety and Health Measures
Regarding Operators
Hospitals must put in place thorough training and certification programmes that
guarantee operators are knowledgeable about safety procedures and the
appropriate use of equipment in order to shield healthcare workers from the risks
posed by radiation. for handling ionising radiation, protective gear such as thyroid
shields, lead aprons, and personal dosimeters are vital, while goggles and gloves
are necessary for handling non-ionizing radiation.
Workplace design is also important, as regulated areas and shielded rooms lower
exposure hazards. When radiation is utilised, locations should be clearly marked with
warning signs and only authorised workers should be able to enter.
Regarding Patients
When undergoing treatments that involve ionising radiation, the use of protective
shielding such as thyroid collars and lead aprons can improve patient safety. The
two most important methods for lowering radiation doses are minimising exposure
duration and improving imaging processes. Furthermore, getting informed
permission from patients and having effective risk communication with them are
essential parts of patient care.
Relevant legislation and rules
The safe use of ionising radiation in medical contexts is largely dependent on the
Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and the Ionising Radiation (Medical
Exposure) Regulations (IRMER). Employer obligations are outlined in these
regulations, and they include risk assessments, dose monitoring, and control
measure implementation. Radiation protection guidelines are provided by the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE), who emphasise the significance of routine training,
equipment maintenance, and incident reporting.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
provides guidelines for safe exposure levels to non-ionizing radiation. These
guidelines include requirements for exposure duration and power density.
,Safety and Preventive Measures
In order to safeguard patients and healthcare personnel from the possible risks
associated with radiation, preventative steps are essential. These procedures are
intended to respect ethical norms in patient care in addition to legal requirements. In
order to reduce dangers, specific precautions are used in clinical radiology, such as
limiting exposure time, utilising shielding devices, and maintaining proper distances.
Equipment that is calibrated and maintained on a regular basis operates safely and
correctly. Maintaining accurate documentation of the dosages administered to
patients and personnel is imperative for continuous safety oversight.
The consequences of Non-Compliance
There may be serious repercussions if health and safety laws are broken. Legally
speaking, non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, court cases, and possibly the
closure of healthcare facilities. One of the health implications of radiation exposure is
a higher risk of radiation-induced illnesses, which can cause serious sickness or
even death. Operationally, non-compliance can harm the facility's reputation and
efficacy by undermining patient happiness, attracting regulatory attention, and
undermining trust in the healthcare system.
Scientific Rationale for Safety Measures and Precautions
Radiation protection precautions and measures have scientific foundations thanks to
the study of radiobiology. Determining safe threshold doses and assessing potential
dangers are made easier by an understanding of how radiation interacts with
biological tissues. Radiation protection concepts including time, distance, and
shielding are tried-and-true ways to lower exposure and lessen hazards. Frequent
evaluation of risks and strict adherence to prescribed protocols guarantee radiation
safety for patients and medical personnel.
In conclusion, a full awareness of the associated health and safety hazards, side
effects, and restrictions is necessary when using ionising and non-ionizing radiation
technologies in medical contexts. Hospitals must put strong safety measures in place
to protect patients and staff, informed by applicable laws and scientific principles.
Following these guidelines is essential to preventing negative health effects and
guaranteeing that regulations are followed. Sustaining a secure and efficient
healthcare setting requires ongoing education and attentiveness.
Definitions and Radiation Types
Ionising and non-ionizing radiation fall into the two primary groups. Particularly in
medical contexts, each variety has unique characteristics and implications for safety
and health.
IONISING RADIATION
, X-rays using Ionising Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength and high energy is known as X-
ray radiation. They are extensively utilised in radiography, computed tomography
(CT) scans, and fluoroscopy, among other medical imaging procedures. X-rays are
very useful for diagnosing a variety of ailments because they may provide detailed
images of internal structures by penetrating the body. With prolonged or severe
exposure, they can potentially cause cellular damage due to their ionising tendency,
which raises the risk of cancer.
Radiation from Gamma Rays
Radioactive atoms emit gamma rays, which are another type of high-energy
electromagnetic radiation, from their nuclei. Gamma rays are utilised in nuclear
medicine for diagnostic imaging and in radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Gamma
rays are useful in identifying and eliminating cancer cells, but they can also damage
healthy tissues. For this reason, it is important to target the right areas precisely and
follow strict safety procedures to safeguard patients and medical personnel.
Alpha Particles
Because alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons, they are
highly charged and somewhat hefty. Although their usage in medicine is restricted,
they are used in radiopharmaceuticals to treat cancer. Alpha particles have a poor
penetrating strength and can be blocked by paper or the outer layer of human skin,
even with their high ionisation potential. However, alpha-emitting substances have
the potential to seriously harm biological systems if consumed or inhaled.
Beta Particles
High-speed, high-energy electrons or positrons are known as beta particles, and
they are released by specific kinds of radioactive nuclei. In the medical field,
radiation treatment using beta particles is utilised to treat several types of cancer.
They can efficiently treat superficial tumours due to their moderate penetration
ability. Safety precautions are necessary to avoid unintentional exposure, which
raises the risk of cancer and can result in skin burns.
Non-Ionising Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) Light
In phototherapy, a medical treatment for skin disorders like vitiligo and psoriasis,
ultraviolet light a kind of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than
visible light is frequently utilised. While UV radiation is not as dangerous as ionising
radiation, it can nevertheless result in skin burns, damage to the eyes, and an
increased risk of skin cancer if exposure is prolonged. Limiting exposure time and
wearing UV-blocking shields are two protective strategies.
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