Assessment with TLD of radiation exposure to staff during radium insertions in cancer of cervix

Radiation exposure to personnel in departments of gynaecologic oncology in Sweden

Radium-226 and cesium-137 are used at six departments of gynaecologic oncology in Sweden. A survey of radiation exposure (dose equivalents) to the personnel is reported. The measurements were performed with TL dosemeters. From dose distribution measurements, the dose equivalents in different parts of the body, related to different working procedures, were determined. Effective dose equivalents and collective dose equivalents were also estimated. The estimated collective dose equivalent for this category of personnel in Sweden was 1.3 manSv. The effective dose equivalent was less than the dose equivalent measured with dosemeters worn on the chest, and was less than half the annual limit set by ICRP.