Radiation overexposure to the X-ray beam of a difractometer affected the hands of three workers in Camacari, Brazil.

["J. J. Rozental" <joseroze@netvision.net.il>]

Radiation overexposure to the X-ray beam of a difractometer affected the
hands of three workers in Camacari, Brazil.
N.J. de L. Valverde, M.C. de Lucena, C.H. Briglian, A.R. de Oliveira
Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira, Janeiro/Marco de 2000

Summary


The patients's clinical pictures, characterized by an erythema preceding the
skin
manifestations, their aspect and the occupational histories, made the
diagnosis of a radiation accident possible before its dosimetric
identification. Doses evaluations using thermoluminescents dosimeters and
ionizing chambers correlated well with the clinical estimations.
The immediate cause of the accident was poor maintenance of the device that
caused its back window to be permanentely open, but lack of adequate
information on the biological effects of ionizing radiation and on the
correct operational procedures were contributory facts.
The description of this accident is relevant in virtue of the misconcept
that such equipment have "virtually no occupational risk".
The patients's medical evolutions have had a favorable course, specially
because the low energy of the X-ray and its low penetrating capacity.
This accident highlights the need for the adequate training of workers on
the handling of radiation devices. [Rev Ass Med Bras 2000; 46(1): 81-7]
Keywords: Radiation accident. X rays. Local radiation injury. Radiation
exposure. Difractometer.

Complete article in Portuguese at
http://www.amb.org/publicacao/ramb/janmarco00/pag_81.htm


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