Occupational Exposure of Nurses during Decontamination Work in Rooms Containing Unsealed Radiation Sources

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the occupational exposure of nurses during decontamination work in rooms containing unsealed radiation sources. We also measured the ambient dose rates in hospital rooms after patients underwent unsealed radiation source therapy.

The subjects were nurses occupationally exposed to rooms containing unsealed radiation sources during decontamination work and the ambient dose rates in hospital rooms after patients underwent unsealed radiation source therapy. The nurses wore a dosimeter when they performed decontamination work. The dosimeters measured the time spent performing decontamination work and the radiation dose. The same dosimeters also measured the accumulated dose. Beta rays in the hospital room at bathroom were measured using a GM survey meter.

The nursesʼ occupational exposure was 0μSv/h. The dose was the highest at the washbasin drain outlet for 5 points. The trash was a dangerous source because it included radioactive iodine on the brim as well as in sputum and nasal discharge. Radioactive iodine dosing was measured, where radioactive substances were present. Accordingly, nurses need to be careful when handling trash to avoid external exposure. In other words, decontamination work should be performed in short periods of time.