Evaluation of radiation safety levels in the monitor rooms of selected diagnostic centres in Lagos State using thermoluminescent dosimeter

Abstract

The hazard of exposure to ionizing radiation at low doses has been scientifically proven to be possible for cancer and non-cancer diseases. International and national regulatory bodies have recommended dose limits for occupationally exposed workers to ionizing radiation and the general public. The objective of this study was to assess the radiation safety levels in monitor rooms of x-ray diagnostic radiology facilities. Sixty monitored rooms in twenty radio diagnostic centers were visited. Three tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLD-100 (LiF: Mg. Ti)) chips were placed in strategic places a few centimeters from the viewing glass in the monitored rooms for two weeks. The TLDs were analyzed using the RADOS RE 2000 TLD reader. Questionnaires were also distributed to ascertain compliance with the basic principles of radiation protection. The average personnel dose equivalents in the monitored rooms of conventional x-rays, mammography, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy were 0.33, 0.32, 0.28, and 0.34 mSv/year, respectively. The status of the radiation safety levels in the selected monitored rooms is satisfactory because the values obtained were below the international recommended dose limit of 50 mSv in a single year for occupationally exposed radiation workers.