Ionizing Radiation Leakage and Radiation Protection Measures in Radio-Diagnostic Centers in Governmental Hospitals of Gaza Governorates, Palestine

Abstract

The fact of using radiation in medicine has led to major improvements in the diagnostic and treatment of human diseases. However, it carries some risks of health problems. This subject has received a great concern in the recent years. The work is based on measurement of equivalent radiation dose rate in different locations in radio-diagnostic rooms at governmental Gaza governorates hospitals. These include: 19 basic X-ray, 8 fluoroscopy, 3 CT scan and mammography machines. The measurements were carried out by using the radiation survey meter (OD-01), since there is no obvious work have been previously done experimentally. A questionnaire is designed for matching the study needs and 182 radio-diagnostic workers participated in the work in order to obtain an information about their radiation protection measures and practices. The results indicate that the fluoroscopy and CT scan rooms were not efficiently lead lined and the radiation protection is not well organized. The measured values of radiation dose rate at different locations in basic X-ray and mammography rooms are found within a permissible limits for workers and public. However, the recommended distance between the X-ray machine and control panel have not been achieved in some rooms. In addition, the results of questionnaire indicate unsatisfactory practices toward radiation protection issues, where approximately half of participants have negative practices. The participants have reported that 35.2% of personal radiation protection devices are available in radio-diagnostic centers. Also the results revealed very poor of personal radiation exposure monitoring process. Overall, the results represented in this work reflect that majority of participants believe there is no radiation safety officer to provide the service. Therefore, there is a desperate need for rules, regulations and radiation protection act in the field of radiation in medical field. Finally, recommendations in the light of the outcome of study results were given to improve the radiation protection and safety measures.