Early Signs and Symptoms of Accidental Exposure to X-Rays cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices

Instructor's Guide

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

Example:

Assume:

2.5 mm Al filter

100 kVp

100 mA

1 sec exposure

30 cm distance

Dose estimate (in air, assuming electron

(Compare these values to facility-specific equipment or

examples.)

iv. Latent Effects from Radiation Exposure.

The probability of a latent effect appearing several

years after radiation exposure depends on the

amount of the dose. The higher the dose, the

greater the risk of developing a health effect. When

an individual receives a large accidental exposure

and the prompt effects of that exposure have been

dealt with, there still remains a concern about latent

effects years after the exposure. Although there is

no unique disease associated with exposure to

radiation, there is a risk of the possibility of

developing fatal cancer. The higher the

accumulated dose, the greater is the risk of health

effect, based on the linear-no threshold model.