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

Student's Guide

~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.

Example:

Assume:

2.5 mm Al filter

100 kVp

100 mA

1 sec exposure

30 cm distance

Dose estimate (in air, assuming electron equilibrium): 12.8 Rad

(Compare these values to facility-specific equipment or examples.)