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We are surrounded by radiation in our daily lives. Radiation monitoring should be considered for those who work in occupations where risks may be prevalent due to exposures from X-ray equipment or in labs where radioactive research materials are utilized and, of course, nuclear power plants. Even in environments where exposure risks may be minimal, such as in a dental practice, it is good policy to take the proper precautions in order to monitor exposure over time, ensuring healthy productive lives with no long-term effects.
When and Why Radiation Can Be Dangerous
Ionizing radiation occurs naturally and is also man-made. Ionizing radiation can be found in certain equipment and manufacturing environments such as X-ray machines.
Ionizing radiation cannot be seen, heard, tasted, smelled, or felt in any way. Therefore it is important that those working in environments where equipment is being utilized that emits ionized radiation be monitored on a regular basis. Essentially, ionized radiation disrupts some of the atoms in its path causing them to separate into electrically charged (+ and -) components called ions.
The atoms in our bodies become biologically useless if divided into ions. Of the trillions of atoms that exist in our bodies, small ionization may potentially cause no real harm, however, large doses of ionizing radiation can potentially cause sickness, cancer and birth defects.
The linear non-threshold theory (LNT) states: It is also believed that exposure to small amounts of ionizing radiation over time may cause similar problems.
Types of Ionizing Radiation
The most common kinds of ionizing radiation are X-rays, gamma rays, alpha, beta particles and neutrons.
X-rays are the most common sources of radiation exposure for the general public, since they are so commonly used in dentistry and medicine. Moving at the speed of light, X-rays are a penetrating form of radiation, which means they travel through material easily.
Measuring Radiation
Scientists use terms such as roentgens, rads, and rems to measure radiation levels. For most practical purposes it is sufficient to detect the presence of radiation by the use of small devices called dosimeters. A dosimeter measures the exposure of radiation the user wearing the badge is exposed to.
For employees who work in a radiation environment, be it a nuclear power plant, a hospital, or a dentist's office, the wearing of dosimetry measurement devices on a daily basis is a sound radiation safety practice, and in many cases, it may be mandatory.
The two most common forms of dosimeters are the film and the TLD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter). These devices are about the size of a belt buckle and are worn clipped to the wearer's clothing. A new badge will be sent before the end of the wear period. At the end of the wear period, the dosimeter is sent back for assessment. During this time, the wearer should begin wearing the new badge. The processing facility then issues regular reports indicating measurable exposure levels for the wear period.
It is important to know whether you have been exposed. The timely return of your dosimeter will allow you to know if exposure levels are within safety limits or if necessary action needs to be taken.
The only way to know your real exposure level is to wear a dosimeter every day and to check your exposure reports regularly.
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