Unsealed radioactive materials handling, storage, use, and disposals in hospitals and medical research facilities

In nuclear medicine, not only patients are exposed to ionizing radiation but also the population may suffer from radioactive emissions or radioactive waste. For this reason, radiation protection is of particular importance in this field. In many EC countries as well as in countries outside Europe, limiting values have been set for occupational radiation exposure and population exposure. According to ICRP recommendations, actual values should remain below these limiting values as far as is possible in view of economic and social factors. To supplement its general recommendations the ICRP has elaborated specific recommendations for the use of unsealed radioactive materials in medicine and medical research those who have to deal with radioactive materials in nuclear medicine and research which have been published in 1976. These specific recommendations were originally drawn up for the authorities responsible for licensing and control of operation; however, they contain many important details for the daily practice and are therefore recommended to all those, who have to deal with radioactive materials in nuclear medicine and research. (orig./HP)