Occupational exposure and radiological risks from x-ray baggage screening in eastern China

Area of Science:

• Radiation physics and occupational health.
• Medical imaging and safety protocols.

Background:

• Personnel operating x-ray baggage screening systems may face chronic or abnormal radiation exposure.
• Hazards and protective measures for occupational exposure are not fully understood, particularly for novel applications and critical roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze radiation exposure levels in x-ray baggage screening environments.
• To estimate effective dose and radiological risk for occupational personnel.
• To provide guidance for improved individual protection and workplace management.

Main Methods:

• On-site inspection and Monte Carlo simulation were employed to assess exposure levels.
• Dose rates were measured and simulated.
• Radiological risk was estimated using established models (ICRP, UNSCEAR, BEIR VII).

Main Results:

• Mean workplace dose rate under normal conditions was 0.21 µSv·h⁻¹.
• New applications, like workshops, showed higher maximum dose rates up to 2.07 µSv·h⁻¹.
• Abnormal conditions can lead to leakage doses exceeding limits; maintenance/commissioning pose risks up to 1.3 × 10⁻³% per shift.

Conclusions:

• Workplace radiation levels are generally manageable but require attention for specific applications and abnormal scenarios.
• Enhanced radiation protection is crucial for new x-ray screening applications and during maintenance/commissioning.
• Understanding occupational exposure risks is vital for effective safety management and worker protection.