[Risk assessment for thyroid (131)I exposure among nuclear medical staff]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Nuclear medicine utilizes Iodine-131 ((131)I) for diagnosing and treating various conditions, including thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.
• Potential occupational exposure to (131)I poses health risks to nuclear medicine personnel.
• Assessing and mitigating these risks is crucial for worker safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify primary risk factors associated with occupational (131)I exposure.
• To evaluate the internal exposure risk among nuclear medicine workers.
• To establish a risk assessment model for thyroid (131)I exposure.

Main Methods:

• Cluster sampling in 21 hospitals in Fujian Province from March to October 2019.
• Investigated staff practices, job rotation, and (131)I handling conditions.
• Measured (131)I aerosol and personnel thyroid burdens in 20 hospitals.

Main Results:

• Detection rates for (131)I aerosol and personnel thyroid (131)I were 80.0% and 25.5%, respectively.
• Significant risk factors identified: (131)I packaging/administration, aerosol concentration, and patient numbers.
• (131)I exposure is prevalent, with specific operational factors increasing risk.

Conclusions:

• Occupational (131)I exposure is a common issue for nuclear medicine staff.
• Strengthening controls for identified risk factors is essential for reducing internal radiation exposure.
• Enhanced radiation protection protocols are necessary to mitigate risks.