Occupational external exposure to ionizing radiation in research-associated activities in Iran (2015-2020)

Abstract

Research is the integral part of radiological and nuclear activities; thus, workers may receive different levels of occupational exposure. In the present study, occupational external exposure of workers was studied at the largest radiological and nuclear research institute of Iran over 2015 to 2020. The activities included research reactors, nuclear fuel cycle, development on radiopharmaceuticals and radioisotopes, particle accelerators, plasma and fusion, and nuclear agriculture. The average doses of the monitored and exposed workers were calculated to be 0.095 and 0.575 mSv, respectively, which were around their corresponding worldwide values. Moreover, the results showed that in comparison with other research activities, the workers in research reactors, nuclear fuel cycle, and development of radiopharmaceuticals and radioisotopes may face higher occupational risks. It could be therefore concluded that all the radiation protection measures have been effective to achieve safe research activities in Iran.