1. RADIATION PROTECTION

2. Radiation exposure always means there is a risk of biologic changes
Benefits should outweigh the risks

3. WHAT DOES IONIZING RADIATION MEAN?
REVIEW
WHAT DOES IONIZING RADIATION MEAN?

4. HOW ARE X-RAYS PRODUCED?
REVIEW
HOW ARE X-RAYS PRODUCED?

5. WHEN ELECTRONS HIT TARGET 99% OF THE ENERGY IS HEAT 1% IS X-RAYS
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
WHEN ELECTRONS HIT TARGET
99% OF THE ENERGY IS HEAT
1% IS X-RAYS

6. After the x-rays leave the tube and strike matter, three things can happen
The x-rays are absorbed completely.
The x-rays transfer some of their energy and then scatter.
The x-rays can pass thru matter undisturbed.

7. UNITS OF MEASUREMENT Traditional Roentgen (R) Rad Rem SI
Coulombs per KG
Gy (Gray)
Sievert

8. ROENTGEN (R) or COULOMBS PER KILOGRAM(C/KG)
Measures ionization of air below 3 MeV

9. Rad or Gy (Gray)
Measurement for the general population (Not occupational worker)
Measures radiation absorbed

10. REM OR SIEVERT Measurement used for occupational workers
“Radiation equivalent man”
Measures biologic response
Absorbed dose x weighting factor = 1 rem
1 rad = 1 rem. Quality factor in x-rays is 1
5rems allowed for occupational workers. (50 mSv)

11. AS LOW AS REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE
ALARA
AS LOW AS REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE

12. PROTECTING THE PATIENT
TIME
DISTANCE
SHIELDING
BEAM RESTRICTION
FILM/SCREEN COMBO
FILTRATION
TECHNIQUE
POSITIONS

13. PROTECTING YOURSELF TIME DISTANCE SHIELDING FILM BADGES BE OUT OF ROOM
AS FAR FROM SOURCE AS POSSIBLE
Lead aprons, thyroid shields, lead gloves
wear always. On collar

14. INVERSE SQUARE LAW
THE FURTHER AWAY FROM THE SOURCE, THE LESS RADIATION A RADIOGRAPHER RECEIVES
“INTENSITY OF THE RADIATION VARIES WITH THE SQUARE OF THE DISTANCE” OR

15. IF THE DISTANCE IS CUT IN HALF, THE INTENSITY WILL INCREASE BY FOUR IF THE DISTANCE IS DOUBLED, THE INTENSITY WILL DECREASE BY A FACTOR OF FOUR OR

16. LET’S TAKE A BREAK!!!!!!!!