Acute radiation syndrome in a non-destructive testing worker: a case report

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Radiation Safety
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Repeated radiation exposure incidents occur among non-destructive testing workers in Korea.
• Previous cases primarily involved local injuries like radiation burns or hematopoietic cancer.
• This report details a case of acute radiation syndrome from short-term, high-dose ionizing radiation exposure.

Observation:

• A 31-year-old male non-destructive testing worker was found to have significant radiation overexposure in January 2017.
• The patient presented with anorexia, weakness, prostration, dizziness, anemia, and bruising at injection sites.
• Blood tests revealed pancytopenia, leading to a diagnosis of acute radiation syndrome.

Findings:

• The patient's radiation dose exceeded 1.4 Gy, confirmed by lymphocyte depletion kinetics.
• The overexposure occurred during non-destructive testing activities at heights on large pipes without adequate radiation shielding.
• Hematological parameters showed critically low white blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet counts.

Implications:

• This case underscores the severe health risks associated with inadequate radiation safety protocols in occupational settings.
• Implementing and enforcing stricter safety procedures and legal amendments is essential for preventing future radiation accidents.
• Effective exposure prevention strategies are vital for protecting workers in radiation-exposed industries.