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DOE-HDBK-1109-97
Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices
Student's Guide
are not replaced. Lack of a fully viable basal layer of cells means that X-ray burns are
slow to heal, and in some cases may never heal. Frequently, such burns require skin
grafts. In some cases, severe X-ray burns have resulted in gangrene and amputation.
An important variable is the energy of the radiation because this determines the depth of
penetration in a given material. Heat radiation is infrared, typically 1 eV; sunburn is
caused by ultraviolet rays, typically 4 eV; and X-rays are typically 10 - 100 keV, which
are capable of penetrating to the depth of the basal layer of the skin.
iii. Early Signs and Symptoms of Accidental Exposure to X-Rays.
Note: the doses discussed in this section are localized shallow skin doses and/or localized
doses, but not whole body doses. Whole body deep doses of this magnitude would likely
be fatal. Accidental exposures from RPDs are generally localized to a small part of the
body.
~600 rad. An acute dose of about 600 rad to a part of the body causes a radiation burn
equivalent to a first-degree thermal burn or mild sunburn. Typically there is no immediate
pain that would cause the participants to pull away, but a sensation of warmth or itching
occurs within a few hours after exposure. An initial reddening or inflammation of the
affected area usually appears several hours after exposure and fades after a few more
hours or days. The reddening may reappear as late as two to three weeks after the
exposure. A dry scaling or peeling of the irradiated portion of the skin is likely to follow.
If the participants have been working with or around an X-ray device and the participants
notice an unexplained reddening of the skin, notify the supervisor and the Occupational
Medicine Group. Aside from avoiding further injury and guarding against infection,
further medical treatment will probably not be required and recovery should be fairly
complete.
An acute dose of 600 rad delivered to the lens of the eye causes a cataract to begin to
form.
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