Occupational radiation exposure in Tanzania (1996-2010): status and trends

Abstract

Data on occupational radiation exposure using the thermoluminescence dosimetry methodology in Tanzania for the years 1996-2010 are analysed and discussed. The results of the analysis indicate that over 80 % of the total collective dose was from diagnostic radiology. In addition, <1 % of workers received annual individual doses above 5 mSv, and there were no doses that exceeded the recommended limit of 20 mSv y(-1), except for one incidence in non-destructive testing. Furthermore, the trends in occupational exposure remained approximately constant and largely within the ranges of average doses in the literature. The status and trends in occupational exposure demonstrate that radiation protection conditions at the majority of workplace were adequate. Despite that, further optimisation is necessary due to large variations observed in the maximum individual doses over three 5-y sub-periods.

Occupational radiation exposures for medical workers in Pakistan – An overview

“…Moreover, exposure monitoring of occupational workers also provides information regarding the capability and effectiveness of the radiation protection program. In addition, individual monitoring program also aims to reveal compliance with maximum permissible dose limit as required by the national regulations and international recommendations and standards [6][7][8].…”

“…Previously, a large cohort of studies focusing on the assessment of occupational exposed medical worker has been reported from around the globe, including Pakistan [6][7][8][9][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]. These studies, in particular those reported from Pakistan, are scattered, discuss/ focus on different dosimetry indices and non-overlapping study periods, all confounding a meaningful analysis and comparison.…”