Occupational radiation doses among diagnostic radiation workers in South Korea, 1996-2006

Won Jin Lee, Eun Shil Cha, Mina Ha, Young Woo Jin, Seung Sik Hwang, Kyoung Ae Kong, Seung Won Lee, Hyun Koo Lee, Kwang Yong Lee, Hyeog Ju Kim

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    23 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This study details the distribution and trends of doses of occupational radiation among diagnostic radiation workers by using the national dose registry between 1996 and 2006 by the Korea Food and Drug Administration. Dose measurements were collected quarterly by the use of thermoluminescent dosemeter personal monitors. A total of 61 732 workers were monitored, including 18 376 radiologic technologists (30%), 13 762 physicians (22%), 9858 dentists (16%) and 6114 dental hygienists (9.9%). The average annual effective doses of all monitored workers decreased from 1.75 to 0.80 mSv over the study period. Among all diagnostic radiation workers, radiologic technologists received both the highest effective and collective doses. Male radiologic technologists aged 30-49 y composed the majority of workers receiving more than 5 mSv in a quarter. More intensive monitoring of occupational radiation exposure and investigation into its health effects on diagnostic radiation workers are required in South Korea.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)50-55
    Number of pages6
    JournalRadiation Protection Dosimetry
    Volume136
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    This research was supported by a grant (08142KFDA397) from the Korea Food & Drug Administration in 2007.

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
    • Radiation
    • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
    • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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