Implications of the implementation of the revised dose limit to the lens of the eye: the viewof IRPA professionals

Abstract

In April 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection issued a statement on reduction of the equivalent dose limits for the lens of the eye, and strongly recommended its consideration in the revision of the International Atomic Energy Agency's International Basic Safety Standards on Radiation Protection. The reduced dose limit was incorporated in the final version of the Basic Safety Standards. As significant concern was expressed by radiation protection professionals worldwide, the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) established a task group to assess the impact of implementation of the revised dose limit for the lens of the eye for occupational exposure. IRPA Associate Societies (ASs) were asked for their views using a questionnaire addressing three topics: implications for dosimetry, implications for methods of protection, and wider implications. The responses received indicate various methods of approach and express different points of view, reflecting nuances of particular ASs or specific professional groups. Topic experts nominated by ASs were selected to assist with collation of responses, and a report was produced by the task group. Conclusions were drawn on the three issues, including potential cost implications. A number of recommendations were drawn from the responses received including: the request for more understanding about the relationship between exposure of the lens of the eye and cataract formation, and further guidance to assist implementation; the importance of economic and social considerations when introducing the limits into national regulations; the need to propose or define procedures related to employment of people with existing or pre-cataract conditions; and the practical aspects relating to dosimetry and protective equipment.

Islamic Perspective on Eye Protection from Occupational Radiation Exposures in Interventional Fluoroscopy Procedures: A Review Article

“…The publication year was chosen from the year 2012 and onwards to only include the recommendations after the introduction of the new eye dose limit. The overview of the included guidelines and articles according to publication year, type, country, and association is presented in Table I International Radiation Protection Association, (IRPA) 3,11,13 European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) 12 Netherlands Commission on Radiation Protection 5 Ministry of Health Malaysia 1,4 University and Hospital research team 6,14 Table I: The mapping of the guidelines and articles which were included in the review…”

“…3 Moreover, the effectiveness of radiation shielding is affected by the comfort of wearing the lead glasses. 2,6,11,13 Although many suggested the use of a ceiling-suspended shield, only a few guidelines 5,12,14 explain the correct use of the shield. Other forms of protective equipment which are not widely available include protection cabin and patient protection pad.…”

“…2,5,11,14 Appropriate dose monitoring programme should be applied according to the risk assessment and extensive recommendations on dose monitoring were given in the guidelines. [1][2][3]5,6,[11][12][13][14] Recorded dose must be periodically reviewed, the individual result must be given to the staff and investigation should be carried out in case of staff receiving high eye dose. 1,10 The medical surveillance of the eye health must be carried out for staff who have received high dose to the eyes and exceeded the 0.5Gy exposure to the eyes.…”

“…Up-to-date radiation protection training is a regulatory requirement and is very important. 1,13 The training must include the awareness of the risk of radiation towards the eye lens. 11 The topics to be covered are those previously mentioned in the staff responsibility such as the concept of optimisation, correct use of the protective device, and other methods to reduce high radiation dose to the eyes.…”

Eye Lens Doses Received by Radiation Workers in Interventional Medical Procedures

“…This reduction in threshold and dose limit, however, was met with some controversy. While the IAEA agreed with the ICRP, the IRPA (International Radiation Protection Association), based on a questionnaire circulated in 2013 to its members, questioned whether there was sufficient data to support the reduction in dose limit [10,12]. Even after three years since its first survey in 2013, the IRPA members still thought that such a drastic reduction in the dose limit needs due time to be implemented and applied, since it will deeply change some previously-consolidated operating procedures [13].…”