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

An acute dose of 600 rad delivered to the lens of the

eye causes a cataract to begin to form.

~1,000 rad. An acute dose of about 1,000 rad to a

part of the body causes serious tissue damage

similar to a second-degree thermal burn. First

reddening and inflammation occur, followed by

swelling and tenderness. Blisters will form within

one to three weeks and will break open, leaving raw

painful wounds that can become infected. Hands

exposed to such a dose become stiff, and finger

motion is often painful. If the participants develop

symptoms such as these, seek immediate medical

attention to avoid infection and relieve pain.

~2,000 rad. An acute dose of about 2,000 rad to a

part of the body causes severe tissue damage similar

to a scalding or chemical burn. Intense pain and

swelling occur within hours. For this type of

radiation burn, seek immediate medical treatment to

reduce pain. The injury may not heal without

surgical removal of exposed tissue and skin grafting

to cover the wound. Damage to blood vessels also

occurs.

~3,000 rad. An acute dose of 3,000 rad to a part of

the body completely destroys tissue and surgical

removal is necessary.

It does not take long to get a significant dose from

an X-ray unit. The dose rate from an X-ray unit can

be estimated from the Health Physics and

Radiological Health Handbook, 1992 edition

Table 10.1.1.