Evaluation of Radiological Health Hazard Indices Arising from Diagnostic X-Ray Rooms

Abstract

The effective dose of selected health care workers who are constantly exposed to X-ray radiation was measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) placed over the lead apron at the chest region in all categories of medical personnel investigated. The objective is to conduct radiation measurements in various chosen hospitals to determine the level of exposure from X-ray machines precisely at a distance of 1 meter from the primary source. The work was carried out within a year in each of the selected centers. The personnel examination records containing the type of examination each day, peak tube voltage, tube current, and exposure time, including the actual number of films used, were obtained. A total of 40 personnel were examined in the Government Hospital, Agbor, 21 in Central Hospital Owa Alero and 18 in Okonye Hospital. The method used here has also been used by other researchers. Findings showed that the results obtained from the three hospitals investigated in this work were found to conform with the recommendations of the National Commission on Radiological and Protection {NCRP} 70 and 116 protocols. The Radiologists in the three study areas have the highest dose level, but of particular note is the dosage of the radiologists in Okonye hospital. This, as observed, is because the protective shielding parameters were inadequate and this could result in severe health consequences over time.