A dose estimation for persons occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in Montenegro

Abstract

Background: Persons occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation are subject to radiation protection due to potential harmful effects of radiation. Dose monitoring of professionally exposed workers is an essential regulatory measure in radiation protec­tion. In Montenegro, which is a small "non-nuclear" country with population of 670.000, the use of radiation sources is limited to common medical applications and a few industrial ones, with estimated 500-600 occupationally exposed individuals. Methods: Centre for Eco-toxicological Research in Podgorica, acting as a technical support organization to regulatory authorities, is the first and only institution in the country performing personal dosimetry service (since 2007). Initial results, obtained using a Harshaw 4500 TLD reader, and as the results of personal electronic dosimeters DOSICARD readings were summarized in present paper. Results: Average equivalent doses per month are found to be 70.3 μSv for physicians and 82.7 μSv for technicians. The highest dose recorded in one month was 1100 μSv for a RTG technician in Nikšić Hospital. Conclusion: Results for all subjects monitored up to now (medical staff) are below internationally recommended dose limits