Health physicsPub Date : 2024-04-01Epub Date: 2024-01-24DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001788
Shuying Kong, Fei Tuo, Tianxiang Lu
{"title":"Study on Correction Method of Counting Loss below the Threshold for Low Energy Radionuclides Based on Monte Carlo Simulation.","authors":"Shuying Kong, Fei Tuo, Tianxiang Lu","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001788","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001788","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>In the absolute measurement method of nuclide radioactivity by the internal gas proportional counter, the reasonable correction of the small pulse counting loss is the key to obtaining the measurement results accurately. Considering the decay type and energy of radioactive gas nuclides, the influence of the low-energy beta particles and the wall effect counting loss on the activity measurement results is different also. To this end, two typical radioactive gas nuclides ( 37 Ar and 3 H) are used to study the cause of counting loss based on the Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the counting loss of small pulse in the activity measurement of 37 Ar comes mainly from the wall effect generated by x rays. Within the given gas pressure of 60-300 kPa, the simulated wall effect correction factors are 1.063-1.021. The decay energy of β particles generated by 3 H is very low, and there is no obvious wall effect. The small pulse counting loss mainly comes from the low-energy beta particles' contribution with the energy below the counting threshold, which can be corrected by extrapolating the beta energy spectrum at a lower counting threshold (below 1 keV).</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139512225","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-03-01DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001778
Kholoud Alzyoud, Sadeq Al-Murshedi, Andrew England
{"title":"Diagnostic Reference Levels of Radiographic and CT Examinations in Jordan: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Kholoud Alzyoud, Sadeq Al-Murshedi, Andrew England","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001778","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>A comprehensive search was performed to examine the literature on diagnostic reference levels (DRL) for computed tomography (CT) and radiography examinations that are performed routinely in Jordan. EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science were used for the search. The acronym \"DRL\" and the additional phrase \"dose reference levels\" were used to search for articles in literature. Seven papers that reported DRL values for radiography and CT scans in Jordan were identified. One study reported DRLs for conventional radiography, two studies reported CT DRLs in pediatrics, and the remaining four studies provided DRL values for adult CT scans. The most popular techniques for determining the DRLs were the entrance surface dose, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), and dose-length product (DLP) values. Variations in Jordanian DRL values were noted across both modalities. Lower radiation doses and less variation in DRL values may be achieved by educating and training radiographers to better understand dose reduction strategies. To limit dose variance and enable dosage comparison, CT DRLs must be standardized in accordance with the guidelines of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139519952","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2023-12-13DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001779
Li-Ping Ma, Jie Chen, Meng-Meng Liu, Juan Yan, Jia-Qi Xiang, Mei Tian, Ling Gao, Qing-Jie Liu
{"title":"Biodosimetry Based on Gamma-H2AX Quantification in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes after Partial-body Irradiation.","authors":"Li-Ping Ma, Jie Chen, Meng-Meng Liu, Juan Yan, Jia-Qi Xiang, Mei Tian, Ling Gao, Qing-Jie Liu","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001779","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001779","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Quantification of gamma-H2AX foci can estimate exposure to ionizing radiation. Most nuclear and radiation accidents are partial-body irradiation, and the doses estimated using the total-body irradiation dose estimation formula are often lower than the actual dose. To evaluate the dose-response relation of gamma-H2AX foci in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after partial-body irradiation and establish a simple and high throughput model to estimate partial-body irradiation dose, we collected human peripheral blood and irradiated with 0-, 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-Gy gamma rays to simulate total-body irradiation in vitro. Gamma-H2AX foci were quantitated by flow cytometry at 1 h after irradiation, and a dose-response curve was established for total-body irradiation dose estimation. Then, a partial-body irradiation dose-response calibration curve was established by adding calibration coefficients based on the Dolphin method. To reflect the data distribution of all doses more realistically, the partial-body irradiation dose-response calibration curve was divided into two sections. In addition, partial-body irradiation was simulated in vitro, and the PBI data were substituted into curves to verify the accuracy of the two partial-body irradiation calibration curves. Results showed that the dose estimation variations were all less than 30% except the 25% partial-body irradiation group at 1 Gy, and the partial-body irradiation calibration dose-response curves were YF 1 = - 3.444 x 2 + 18.532 x + 3.109, R 2 = 0.92 (YF ≤ 27.95); YF 2 = - 2.704 x 2 + 37.97 x - 56.45, R 2 = 0.86 (YF > 27.95). Results also suggested that the partial-body irradiation dose-response calibration curve based on the gamma-H2AX foci quantification in human peripheral blood lymphocytes is a simple and high throughput model to assess partial-body irradiation dose.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138803406","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2023-11-24DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001769
Brian J Viner, Ashlee Swindle, Lucas Angelette, Candace J Langan, Wendy W Kuhne
{"title":"Evaluation of Deuterium Oxide Deposition Velocity over a Forest Environment.","authors":"Brian J Viner, Ashlee Swindle, Lucas Angelette, Candace J Langan, Wendy W Kuhne","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001769","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Field experiments were performed to evaluate the deposition velocity of tritium oxide within a forest environment at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC. Field releases were designed to guide selection of deposition velocity values for use in safety-basis modeling. Six releases of deuterium oxide were conducted in 2020 and 2021 with corresponding air samples during and following each release. Samples were analyzed to determine the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio in water and converted to concentrations of deuterium in the air during the experiment. Measurements were compared to prior model simulations to evaluate model performance and deposition velocity estimates. Field releases demonstrated vertical and horizontal mixing of a plume in a forest. Predicted deposition velocities ranged from 2.4 to 5.4 cm s -1 on average. In all cases, model simulations underpredicted deuterium concentration by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, indicating the model does not sufficiently mix the plume into the forest. While the model underestimated the transfer of material downward through the forest, it does suggest that the model's estimates are conservative for making downwind dose estimates because of lower plume depletion, leading to higher concentration and dose estimates. While the field releases do not cover all possible meteorological conditions, we conclude it is appropriate to use a non-zero deposition velocity when performing safety-basis modeling of tritium oxide based on conservatism within the model. A recommendation of 1.0 cm s -1 as a deposition velocity is made, which is beyond the 95 th percentile value estimated from the prior modeling study.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138444496","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2023-10-28DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001767
R J Emery, D C Howell
{"title":"Case Studies of Fraud Associated with the Use of Radiation Sources: Practical Avoidance Strategies Based on Lessons Learned.","authors":"R J Emery, D C Howell","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001767","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001767","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Periodically the radiation protection profession has experienced purposeful deception practices that remained undetected for some time. Upon discovery, the cases of fraud revealed gaps in confirmation or validation practices that the radiation protection community should note. Summarized here is a convenience sample of actual cases of fraud involving radiation sources along with the exploited process vulnerabilities. Recommended process improvements that the radiation safety community may consider are presented to improve the collective fidelity of radiation protection processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71411996","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-02-21DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001796
Naser Burahmah, Lawrence Heilbronn
{"title":"Dose Measurements at Provision Proton Therapy Center.","authors":"Naser Burahmah, Lawrence Heilbronn","doi":"10.1097/hp.0000000000001796","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/hp.0000000000001796","url":null,"abstract":"Proton therapy is an advanced method for treating cancerous tumors, and its adoption has expanded significantly in recent years. The production of high-energy protons, however, may result in the creation of secondary neutrons and gamma rays. Hence, ensuring radiation safety at proton therapy centers is crucial, with shielding playing a vital role. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the shielding implemented at the Provision Proton Therapy center in Knoxville, TN, USA. For this purpose, we measured and compared gamma ray radiation levels within the treatment room and the facility's roof. These measurements were conducted using a NaI(Tl) scintillator detector. The PHITS Monte Carlo code was used to deconvolute the incident spectrum using detector response functions. Findings reveal that the facility's shielding effectively protects the general public from gamma ray radiation, with the effective dose within the treatment room being minimal and dose on the roof was comparable to background radiation levels. However, it is important to note that this study did not address the issue of secondary neutron radiation field, which is an important aspect of dose and radiation safety in proton therapy centers.","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139925996","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-02-21DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001790
Sharon Miller, Christian Cajochen, Adele Green, John Hanifin, Anke Huss, Ken Karipidis, Sarah Loughran, Gunnhild Oftedal, John O'Hagan, David H Sliney, Rodney Croft, Eric van Rongen, Nigel Cridland, Guglielmo d'Inzeo, Akimasa Hirata, Carmela Marino, Martin Röösli, Soichi Watanabe
{"title":"ICNIRP Statement on Short Wavelength Light Exposure from Indoor Artificial Sources and Human Health.","authors":"Sharon Miller, Christian Cajochen, Adele Green, John Hanifin, Anke Huss, Ken Karipidis, Sarah Loughran, Gunnhild Oftedal, John O'Hagan, David H Sliney, Rodney Croft, Eric van Rongen, Nigel Cridland, Guglielmo d'Inzeo, Akimasa Hirata, Carmela Marino, Martin Röösli, Soichi Watanabe","doi":"10.1097/hp.0000000000001790","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/hp.0000000000001790","url":null,"abstract":"Concerns have been raised about the possibility of effects from exposure to short wavelength light (SWL), defined here as 380-550 nm, on human health. The spectral sensitivity of the human circadian timing system peaks at around 480 nm, much shorter than the peak sensitivity of daytime vision (i.e., 555 nm). Some experimental studies have demonstrated effects on the circadian timing system and on sleep from SWL exposure, especially when SWL exposure occurs in the evening or at night. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has identified a lack of consensus among public health officials regarding whether SWL from artificial sources disrupts circadian rhythm, and if so, whether SWL-disrupted circadian rhythm is associated with adverse health outcomes. Systematic reviews of studies designed to examine the effects of SWL on sleep and human health have shown conflicting results. There are many variables that can affect the outcome of these experimental studies. One of the main problems in earlier studies was the use of photometric quantities as a surrogate for SWL exposure. Additionally, the measurement of ambient light may not be an accurate measure of the amount of light impinging on the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which are now known to play a major role in the human circadian timing system. Furthermore, epidemiological studies of long-term effects of chronic SWL exposure per se on human health are lacking. ICNIRP recommends that an analysis of data gaps be performed to delineate the types of studies needed, the parameters that should be addressed, and the methodology that should be applied in future studies so that a decision about the need for exposure guidelines can be made. In the meantime, ICNIRP supports some recommendations for how the quality of future studies might be improved.","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139925999","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-02-21DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001797
Michael D Kaminski, Nico Daiyega, Matthew Magnuson
{"title":"A Review of the Resuspension of Radioactively Contaminated Particles by Vehicle and Pedestrian Traffic-Current Theory, Practice, Gaps, and Needs.","authors":"Michael D Kaminski, Nico Daiyega, Matthew Magnuson","doi":"10.1097/hp.0000000000001797","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/hp.0000000000001797","url":null,"abstract":"The resuspension of radioactively contaminated particles in a built environment, such as from urban surfaces like foliage, building exteriors, and roadways, is described empirically by current plume and dosimetry models used for hazard assessment and long-term risk purposes. When applying these models to radiological contamination emergencies affecting urban areas, the accuracy of the results for recent contamination deposition is impacted in two main ways. First, the data supporting the underlying resuspension equations was acquired for open, quiescent conditions with no vehicle traffic or human activities, so it is not necessarily representative of the urban environment. Second, mechanical disturbance by winds in urban canyons and during emergency operations caused by vehicle traffic and human activities are not directly considered by the equations. Accordingly, plume and dosimetry models allow the user to input certain compensating values, but the models do not necessarily supply users instructions on what values to use. This manuscript reviews the available literature to comprehensively and consistently pool data for resuspension due to mechanically induced resuspension applicable to urban contamination. Because there are few studies that directly measured radioactive resuspension due to vehicles and pedestrians, this review novelly draws on a range of other studies involving non-radioactive particles, ranging from outdoor air pollution emissions to indoor allergen transport. The results lead to tabulated, recommended values for specific conditions in the emergency phase to help users of plume and dosimetry models maintain the conservativeness needed to properly capture the potential radiation dose posed by mechanically induced resuspension. These values are of benefit to model users until better data are available. The results also suggest the types of data that may result in improved plume and dose modeling.","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139925917","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2023-11-07DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001773
Jong In Park, Chang Uk Koo, Jeonghun Oh, In Jung Kim, Kwon Choi, Sung-Joon Ye
{"title":"Enhancing Precision in L-band Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Tooth Dosimetry: Incorporating Digital Image Processing and Radiation Therapy Plans for Geometric Correction.","authors":"Jong In Park, Chang Uk Koo, Jeonghun Oh, In Jung Kim, Kwon Choi, Sung-Joon Ye","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001773","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001773","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Following unforeseen exposure to radiation, quick dose determination is essential to prioritize potential patients that require immediate medical care. L-band electron paramagnetic resonance tooth dosimetry can be efficiently used for rapid triage as this poses no harm to the human incisor, although geometric variations among human teeth may hinder accurate dose estimation. Consequently, we propose a practical geometric correction method using a mobile phone camera. Donated human incisors were irradiated with calibrated 6-MV photon beam irradiation, and dose-response curves were developed by irradiation with a predetermined dose using custom-made poly(methyl methacrylate) slab phantoms. Three radiation treatment plans for incisors were selected and altered to suit the head phantom. The mean doses on tooth structures were calculated using a commercial treatment planning system, and the electron paramagnetic resonance signals of the incisors were measured. The enamel area was computed from camera-acquired tooth images. The relative standard uncertainty was rigorously estimated both with and without geometric correction. The effects on the electron paramagnetic resonance signal caused by axial and rotational movements of tooth samples were evaluated through finite element analysis. The mean absolute deviations of mean doses both with and without geometric correction showed marginal improvement. The average relative differences without and with geometric correction significantly decreased from 21.0% to 16.8% (p = 0.01). The geometric correction method shows potential in improving dose precision measurement with minimal delay. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated the viability of using treatment planning system doses in dose estimation for L-band electron paramagnetic resonance tooth dosimetry.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72014053","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}
Health physicsPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2023-11-19DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001761
John Klumpp, Luiz Bertelli, Keith Eckerman, Matthew Nelson, Liam Wedell, Mina Deshler, Sara Brambilla, Michael Brown
{"title":"Introducing DEPDOSE, a Tool to Calculate Dose Coefficients to Members of the Public for Radioactive Aerosols.","authors":"John Klumpp, Luiz Bertelli, Keith Eckerman, Matthew Nelson, Liam Wedell, Mina Deshler, Sara Brambilla, Michael Brown","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001761","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000001761","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>This paper presents DEPDOSE, an open-source computer application that combines the KDEP respiratory tract deposition fractions for inhaled aerosols with DC_PAK committed equivalent dose coefficients for a unit deposition in each region of the respiratory tract. DEPDOSE allows the user to rapidly produce tables of dose coefficients for workers and members of the public inhaling precisely defined, user-specified aerosols using the ICRP Publication 60 methodology. Combined with a plume dispersion modeling system, such as the Quick Urban & Industrial Complex (QUIC) Dispersion Modeling System, this makes it possible to predict radiation doses downstream from an accidental or intentional release of radioactive materials. For this work, a radioactive plume was calculated to members of the public downstream from a dirty bomb in Chicago. DEPDOSE is published under an open source license, and can be downloaded at https://github.com/lanl/DEPDOSE .</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49676951","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}