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Absorbed dose to technicians due to induced activity in linear accelerators for radiation therapy
A Almén1, L Ahlgren, S Mattsson
1Department of Radiation Physics Malmö, University of Lund, Sweden.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Technicians in radiotherapy face radiation exposure from accelerators, primarily from radiation penetrating treatment room walls, not just induced activity. Annual absorbed doses to the trunk and hands are estimated at 2 mGy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Radiotherapy technicians are exposed to radiation from medical accelerators.
- Understanding radiation dose contributions is crucial for occupational safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure absorbed dose to radiotherapy technicians.
- To differentiate dose contributions from induced activity and transmitted radiation.
- To assess annual radiation exposure risks.
Main Methods:
- Thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeters used to measure absorbed dose.
- Seven different radiotherapy accelerators analyzed.
- Dose contributions from induced activity and room wall penetration estimated separately.
Main Results:
- Total annual absorbed dose to trunk and hands estimated at 2 mGy.
- Induced activity contributes approximately one-third (0.7 mGy) of the total dose.
- Radiation penetrating treatment room walls is the dominant exposure source.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy technician exposure is mainly due to radiation penetrating room walls.
- Induced radioactivity in accelerators, including short and long-lived isotopes, contributes significantly.
- Technicians receive irradiation not only post-treatment but also during routine room entry.