Possible effects

DOE-HDBK-1131-98

General Employee Radiological Training

Student's Guide

a. Possible effects

Radiation dose to the embryo/fetus may increase the chances that the

child will develop conditions such as slo wer growth or mental

development or childhood cancer. These effects can also be caused

by many other hazards in our environment.

b. DOE Limits (EO2)

The risk of these effects occurring is minimized by having special

protective measures for the embryo/fe tus of a declared pregnant

women. The limit for the embryo/fetus is 500 millirem for the period

from conception to birth.

1) A worker may voluntarily notify her employer, in writing, when she

is pregnant.

2) It is the recommendation of DOE's Radiological Control Standard

that the employer provide the option for a reassignment of work

tasks to a declared pregnant worker, without loss of pay or

promotional opportunity, such that further occupational radiation

exposure is unlikely.