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

21 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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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