Health physics最新文献

{"title":"Uranium Concentration in Drinking Water and the Age-dependent Radiation Exposure in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu, India.","authors":"S Palani, Satyanarayan Bramha, S Suja, S Chandrasekaran, A Vidyasakar, R Ravisankar","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The current investigation involved collecting and analyzing groundwater samples from the Chengalpattu district in the state of Tamil Nadu. The content of uranium was determined using an LED fluorimeter. The uranium concentration exhibited a range of 0.02 μg L-1 to 2.814 μg L-1, with a mean value of 0.347 μg L-1 and a standard deviation 3.05 μg L-1. The uranium concentration levels calculated in this study are significantly below the recommended limits set by various agencies, including WHO (2011), US EPA (1991), ICRP (1995), UNSCEAR (1982), and AERB (2004), and these limits are used for critical in protecting public health. The annual ingestion dosage from uranium consumption via drinking water is estimated for all age groups and compared to the prescribed limits. The annual uranium intake in drinking water for various age groups ranges from 0.0224 μSv y-1 to 7.0674 μSv y-1. The analysis shows that the doses are far below the recommended safety threshold. The average yearly intake dosage is well below the required threshold, indicating that the drinking water sources in the study region do not pose any harmful health risks related to uranium.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"pyDOSEIA: A Python Package for Radiological Impact Assessment during Long-term or Accidental Atmospheric Releases.","authors":"Biswajit Sadhu, Tanmay Sarkar, S Anand, Kapil Deo Singh, D K Aswal","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>pyDOSEIA is a Python package designed for meteorological data processing and radiological impact assessment in diverse scenarios, including nuclear and radiological accidents. Built upon robust computational models and using modern programming techniques, pyDOSEIA employs the Gaussian Plume Model and follows IAEA and AERB guidelines, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for estimating radiation doses from various exposure pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, groundshine, submersion, and plumeshine. The package enables age-specific, distance-specific, and radionuclide-specific radiation dose computations, providing accurate and reliable calculations for both short-term and long-term exposures. Additionally, pyDOSEIA leverages up-to-date dose conversion factors, features parallel processing capabilities for rapid analysis of large datasets, and facilitates applications in machine learning and deep learning research. With its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, pyDOSEIA empowers researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to assess radiation risks effectively, aiding in decision making and emergency preparedness efforts. The package is open-source and available on GitHub at https://github.com/BiswajitSadhu/pyDOSEIA.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Considering Radiation Safety Program Image.","authors":"Robert J Emery, Janet M Gutierrez","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Commercial businesses have long known that the image of an organization is critical to ultimate success. Significant resources are invested in marketing, logos, colors, signage, appearance, informational brochures, and the like because expenditures on these aspects have repeatedly proven to produce a measurable return on investment. The term \"image\" can be defined in many ways, but within the context of the effort described here, it is a tangible or visible representation of an entity. A radiation safety program's image can be based on many operational outcome elements, such as personnel doses, findings from regulatory compliance inspections, and measured client satisfaction. Described here are three other program image components that may be considered: the radiation safety program's website, program staff appearance, and program organizational charts. Data regarding the prevalence of current practices being carried out within operational college and university safety programs as they relate to image were measured via a series of simple online polls. Although the assessments described here were focused primarily on university environmental health and safety programs, each included specific consideration of any radiation safety component. The findings stemming from the analysis of these convenience sample polls examining the blind testing of program internet website search capabilities, the norms regarding program staff recognition on campus, and the common errors associated with organizational charts all can serve as a guide to improve radiation safety program image that, in turn, can maintain or enhance program reputation and support.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144553363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radon Gas Exposure in Japan: Public Health Risks, Regulations, and Mitigation Strategies.","authors":"Jose Alonso Montero Alfaro","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Radon (222Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a significant cause of lung cancer globally, second only to inhaled tobacco smoke. This review examines radon exposure in Japan, its public health risks, current regulations, and mitigation strategies in the context of international standards. Studies show that Japan's indoor radon concentrations average around 15 Bq m-3, significantly lower than the global mean of approximately 40 Bq m-3. Furthermore, only a small percentage, estimated at 0.1 to 1%, of Japanese homes exceed the World Health Organization's reference level of 100 Bq m-3. As a result, radon is responsible for a smaller proportion of lung cancer cases in Japan, around 4%, compared to many Western countries. Nonetheless, radon remains an important public health concern, especially as modern homes become more airtight, potentially elevating indoor radon levels. The review also explores the geographic distribution of radon in Japan, highlighting regions (e.g., parts of western Japan with granitic bedrock) that exhibit higher natural radioactivity. It assesses the absence of a comprehensive national radon regulation in Japan, contrasting it with numerous countries that have established reference levels, building codes, and action plans. This review discusses effective radon mitigation techniques, including active soil depressurization and improved ventilation, applicable to Japan's building context. It argues for a proactive national radon policy to promote routine monitoring, public awareness, and remediation of high-radon homes. Finally, it proposes forming an association of radon scientists and technologists in Japan to enhance research, training, and policy advocacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144527689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fetal Dose Reduction in CT Pulmonary Angiography Using Internal Barium Shielding: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study.","authors":"Maroine Tahiri, Yassine Benameur, Mina Azeddou, Redouane El Baydaoui, Mounir Mkimel","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is a key diagnostic tool for embolic pulmonary disease during pregnancy, despite its associated high radiation exposure. To minimize the fetal radiation dose, a new technique using internal shielding has been introduced, which reduces internal scattering. This study focuses on evaluating how barium-based internal shielding impacts the reduction of fetal organ radiation dose during CTPA. For instance, a validated GATE/GEANT4 model was used to simulate CTPA acquisition. Fetal organ doses were obtained via a simulated third trimester pregnant model (Katja). In order to simulate internal shielding, Contrast agent (CA) of different sulfate barium concentrations was incorporated in the digestive cavity of the model. Also, fetal organ doses were calculated with and without internal shielding, and levels of fetal organ dose reductions were assessed for all CA concentrations. The mean fetal organ dose for CTPA without CA was 0.71 mGy. According to results, internal shielding induces a reduction in organ dose, since fetal organ dose reductions ranged between 55.89% and 69.41% with 80% CA. Furthermore, it was observed that the more CA concentration increases, the more dose reduction increases. In addition, fetal brain dose was reduced by 55.54%, 59.67%, 61.80%, and 62.94% for CA concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Clearly, this study will help provide a better assessment of fetal dose reduction via barium shielding in CTPA.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144527688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cobalt: An Update Review from Biokinetic and Toxicological Data to Treatment after Internal Exposure.","authors":"Géraldine Landon, Céline Bouvier-Capely, François Fay, Elias Fattal, Guillaume Phan","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002005","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Cobalt is an essential element with a wide range of applications. It is made up of one stable isotope ( 59 Co) and 36 radioactive isotopes, including 60 Co, the only one with a half-life of more than one year. It is an activation product, and irradiation is the main mode of exposure to 60 Co. Nevertheless, the risk of internal contamination should not be overlooked, particularly for workers who may be involved in maintenance tasks in nuclear power plants or on dismantling sites. The general population may also be affected in the event of a reactor accident where 60 Co would be released with other radionuclides. The health effects of exposure to stable cobalt are mainly respiratory and cutaneous. However, the recently revealed carcinogenic nature of certain cobalt compounds calls for vigilance. Otherwise, the radiotoxicity of cobalt has not yet been explored. In view of the many uses of cobalt and the potential exposures identified, effective means of protection for humans and their environment are of paramount importance. To date, in the event of incorporation by inhalation, ingestion, or cutaneous injury, the current pharmacological treatments offer perfectible efficacy. This review article outlines an updated state of knowledge on cobalt, with a special focus on its biokinetic and toxicological data, the recommended medical countermeasures, and the research in progress in this field. Finally, this review suggests new research perspectives, particularly in the field of medical countermeasures, an area of utmost importance in terms of radiation protection and occupational health.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Occupational Radiation Safety Among Healthcare Professionals: A Multi-Setting Study in Jordan.","authors":"Khaldoon Radaideh, Laila Matalqah, Lujain Radaideh","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002009","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Staff members in radiology departments face radiation exposure as a primary work-related risk according to safety guidelines. This research evaluates knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding radiological protection protocols of radiology workers in Jordan. The research employed a cross-sectional analysis using a questionnaire administered to 203 professionals from the groups of radiologists, medical physicists, radiologic technologists, and nurses. Among the participants, 44.3% held a bachelor's degree, 41.4% had a diploma (two-year technologist certification), and 14.4% held higher qualifications. The average knowledge score was 46%, with notable deficiencies in key areas such as radiation dose limits and tissue sensitivity. Attitudes towards radiation safety were generally positive, with scores ranging from 55.7% to 86.2%. However, inconsistent safety practices were observed, particularly in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Despite 87.19% using personal dosimeters, only 58.13% consistently used lead gloves, goggles, and thyroid collars, highlighting the need for further improvements. Staff members displayed inconsistent practices especially regarding their use of personal protective equipment during work shifts. Radiology professionals require specialized training programs which help raise compliance levels and foster safe practices in their work environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144333011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methods to Derive Uncertainty Intervals for Lifetime Risks for Lung Cancer Related to Occupational Radon Exposure.","authors":"M Sommer, N Fenske, C Heumann, P Scholz-Kreisel, F Heinzl","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001994","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001994","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Lifetime risks are a useful tool in quantifying health risks related to radiation exposure and play an important role in the radiation detriment and, in the case of radon, for radon dose conversion. This study considers the lifetime risk of dying from lung cancer related to occupational radon exposure. For this purpose, in addition to other risk measures, the lifetime excess absolute risk (LEAR) is mainly examined. Uncertainty intervals for such lifetime risk estimates and corresponding statistical methods are rarely presented in the radon literature.Based on previous work on LEAR estimates, the objective of this article is to introduce and discuss novel methods to derive uncertainty intervals for lifetime risk estimates for lung cancer related to occupational radon exposure. Uncertainties of two main components of lifetime risk calculations are modeled: uncertainties of risk model parameter estimates describing the excess relative risk for lung cancer and of baseline mortality rates. Approximate normality assumption (ANA) methods derived from likelihood theory and Bayesian techniques are employed to quantify uncertainty in risk model parameters. The derived methods are applied to risk models from the German \"Wismut\" uranium miners cohort study (full Wismut cohort with follow-up up to 2018 and sub-cohort with miners first hired in 1960 or later, designated as \"1960+ sub-cohort\"). Mortality rate uncertainty is assessed based on information from the WHO mortality database. All uncertainty assessment methods are realized with Monte Carlo simulations. Resulting uncertainty intervals for different lifetime risk measures are compared. Uncertainty from risk model parameters imposes the largest uncertainty on lifetime risks but baseline lung cancer mortality rate uncertainty is also substantial. Using the ANA method accounting for uncertainty in risk model parameter estimates, the LEAR in % for the 1960+ sub-cohort risk model was 6.70 with a 95% uncertainty interval of [3.26; 12.28] for the exposure scenario of 2 Working Level Months from age 18-64 years, compared to the full cohort risk model with a LEAR in % of 3.43 and narrower 95% uncertainty interval [2.06; 4.84]. ANA methods and Bayesian techniques with a non-informative prior yield similar results, whenever comparable. There are only minor differences across different lifetime risk measures. Based on the present results, risk model parameter uncertainty accounts for a substantial share of lifetime risk uncertainty for radon protection. ANA methods are the most practicable and should be employed in the majority of cases. The explicit choice of lifetime risk measures is negligible. The derived uncertainty intervals are comparable to the range of lifetime risk estimates from uranium miners studies in the literature. These findings should be accounted for when developing radiation protection policies, which are based on lifetime risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144333012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differences between Radiation Dose Values under Wearing and Non-wearing Geometries of Personal Dosimeters during Sleep.","authors":"Jun Hirouchi, Shogo Takahara, Masatoshi Watanabe","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>With the return of residents after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, the measurement results of radiation doses to residents can be used to assess the risk or safety of remaining in their homes. However, personal radiation doses vary depending on the behavior and residential environment of each subject, even for a group of subjects living in the same region at the same time. In past studies, subjects were required to wear a personal dosimeter on their chests outdoors, but they were not required to wear the device indoors. This study investigated the difference between the dose values indicated for the wearing and non-wearing geometries of personal dosimeters during sleep. In particular, an adult human phantom was used to compare the indicated dose values when personal dosimeters were placed on the chest (reproducing the wearing geometry) and near the head (reproducing the non-wearing geometry) in two houses with a high measured radiation dose. Furthermore, to understand the reason for the difference in the indicated dose values, the radiation dose rate during sleep was calculated using a radiation transport calculation code. The dose values for the wearing geometry were approximately 4% lower on the first floor and approximately 15% lower on the second floor than those for the non-wearing geometry. In addition, the radiation dose rates and radiation dose rate ratios (head/chest) differed by approximately 30% and 20%, respectively, depending on the distance from the nearest window (1 to 3 m).</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144301924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiation Doses and Lifetime Attributable Risk of Cancer in Sweden after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident.","authors":"Martin Tondel, Katja Gabrysch, Mats Isaksson, Christopher Rääf","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000001998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Methods for estimating radiological consequences in terms of radiation doses and cancer risks are needed for informed decisions on mitigation efforts after a radionuclide event. The 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident fallout in Sweden was used as a case study. Open-source data on annual sex-specific population data in 1-y classes by municipality (n = 290), counties (n = 21), and future projection were retrieved from Statistics Sweden from 1986 to 2035. Published organ dose coefficients, cancer risk coefficients, and established methods for dose calculations and cancer risk projections were applied to estimate organ absorbed doses (mGy), effective dose (mSv), collective dose (person-Sv), and lifetime attributable risk (LAR). Due to the geographically variable Chernobyl fallout in Sweden, the variability in absorbed organ doses was greater between municipalities and counties than between organs or sexes. LAR was translated into 377 male and 448 female extra cancer cases over 50 y post-Chernobyl. Overall, 38% of these cancer cases could be attributed to the internal dose in males and 32% in females. The highest number of cancer cases was estimated for Västernorrland county, with only 3% of the Swedish population in 1986, but 18% of the excess cancer cases 1986 to 2035. The collective dose was calculated to 6,028 person-Sv, whereas 2,148 person-Sv (36%) was internal dose. Like for LAR, the population of Västernorrland county got 18% of the total collective dose. The excess number of cancer cases derived from LAR and collective dose gave similar results. Our methods can be adopted to other countries and different fallout scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144289429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}