[ RadSafe ] Re: Deadly embrace: NRC policy can expose children to radioactivity

[Clayton J Bradt]

Just came across this in my files.  Refer to the original study for
details.

***********************************************************
"Radiation exposure from outpatient radioactive iodine
(131I) therapy for thyroid carcinoma."

Grigsby PW, Siegel BA, Baker S, Eichling JO.
JAMA. 2000 May 3;283(17):2272-4.

CONTEXT: In May 1997, the US Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) revised its patient release
regulations, allowing for outpatient administration of
larger activities of sodium iodide 131I than
previously permitted. OBJECTIVE: To measure the
radiation exposure to household members from patients
receiving outpatient 131I therapy for thyroid
carcinoma in accordance with the new regulations.
DESIGN: Consecutive case series from October 1998 to
June 1999. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Thirty patients who
received outpatient 131I therapy following
thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma
were enrolled, along with their 65 household members
and 17 household pets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Radiation
exposure to household members and 4 rooms in each
home, as monitored with dosimeters for 10 days
following 131I administration. RESULTS: The patients
received 131I doses ranging from 2.8 to 5.6 GBq (mean,
4.3 GBq). The radiation dose to 65 household members
ranged from 0.01 mSv to 1.09 mSv (mean, 0.24 mSv). The
dose to 17 household pets ranged from 0.02 mSv to 1.11
mSv (mean, 0.37 mSv). The mean dose to the 4 rooms
ranged from 0.17 mSv (kitchen) to 0.58 mSv (bedroom).
CONCLUSION: In our study, 131I doses to household
members of patients receiving outpatient 131I therapy
were well below the limit (5.0 mSv) mandated by
current NRC regulations.

****************************************************

Clayton J. Bradt
dutchbradt at hughes.net


IMPORTANT NOTICE:  This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential or sensitive information which is, or may be, legally privileged or otherwise protected by law from further disclosure.  It is intended only for the addressee.  If you received this in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, please do not distribute, copy or use it or any attachments.  Please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this from your system. Thank you for your cooperation.