New Eye Lens Dose Limit: Status of Knowledge in Campania Hospitals

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2019-09, Vol.16 (18), p.3450
• Main Authors: D'Avino, Vittoria, Angrisani, Leopoldo, La Verde, Giuseppe, Pugliese, Mariagabriella, Raulo, Adelaide, Sabatino, Giuseppe, Coppola, Fulvio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiology; Cataracts; Departments; Dosimetry; Exposure; Extremities; Eye lens; Health Personnel; Hospitals; Humans; Information sources; International organizations; Interviews; Italy; Knowledge; Legislation; Lens, Crystalline - radiation effects; Medical personnel; Nurses; Occupational Exposure - analysis; Orthopedics; Physicians; Protective Devices; Questionnaires; Radiation; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Dosimeters; Radiation effects; Radiation Protection; Studies; Thyroid gland; Urology; Workers
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183450

The International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) in 2011 recommended the lowering of the annual eye lens dose limit from 150 mSv/year to 20 mSv/year in order to reduce the risk of X-ray-induced lens opacity in medical staff. The purpose of this study was to assess the status of knowledge of the new eye lens dose limit and of the radioprotection culture among operators. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to physicians, X-ray technicians, and nurses working in five hospitals of the Campania region, Italy. A total of 64 questionnaires were collected in the hospital departments in which procedures involving ionizing radiation were routinely performed. The data analyzed yielded the following results: 12 operators affirmed to know the new eye lens dose limit, 53 operators routinely wore lead aprons, and 23 operators used lead glasses. Four workers performed eye lens dosimetry through specific dosimeters. A significant lack of knowledge of the reduced eye lens dose limit suggests the need to implement radioprotection-training programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of health care in the workplace and at reducing the risk of radio-induced effects to the eye lens.