New Eye Lens Dose Limit: Status of Knowledge in Campania Hospitals

Vittoria D’Avino, Leopoldo Angrisani, Giuseppe La Verde, Mariagabriella Pugliese, Adelaide Raulo, Giuseppe Sabatino and Fulvio Coppola
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Vittoria D’Avino: National Institute for Nuclear Physics, (INFN), 80126 Naples, Italy
Leopoldo Angrisani: Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Federico II University, 80126 Naples, Italy
Giuseppe La Verde: Department of Physics “E. Pancini”, Federico II University, 80126 Naples, Italy
Mariagabriella Pugliese: National Institute for Nuclear Physics, (INFN), 80126 Naples, Italy
Adelaide Raulo: National Institute for Nuclear Physics, (INFN), 80126 Naples, Italy
Giuseppe Sabatino: Centre for Advanced Metrology and Technological Services (CeSMA), Federico II University, 80126 Naples, Italy
Fulvio Coppola: National Institute for Nuclear Physics, (INFN), 80126 Naples, Italy

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-8

Abstract: The International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) in 2011 recommended the lowering of the annual eye lens dose limit from 150 mSv/year to 20 mSv/year in order to reduce the risk of X-ray-induced lens opacity in medical staff. The purpose of this study was to assess the status of knowledge of the new eye lens dose limit and of the radioprotection culture among operators. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to physicians, X-ray technicians, and nurses working in five hospitals of the Campania region, Italy. A total of 64 questionnaires were collected in the hospital departments in which procedures involving ionizing radiation were routinely performed. The data analyzed yielded the following results: 12 operators affirmed to know the new eye lens dose limit, 53 operators routinely wore lead aprons, and 23 operators used lead glasses. Four workers performed eye lens dosimetry through specific dosimeters. A significant lack of knowledge of the reduced eye lens dose limit suggests the need to implement radioprotection-training programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of health care in the workplace and at reducing the risk of radio-induced effects to the eye lens.

Keywords: cataract; eye lens dose limit; occupational exposure; questionnaire; radiation protection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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