Occupational radiation doses among diagnostic radiation workers in South Korea, 1996-2006.
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 dosimeter 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.
Lee
Won Jin
WJ
Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Cha
Eun Shil
ES
Ha
Mina
M
Jin
Young-Woo
YW
Hwang
Seung-Sik
SS
Kong
Kyoung Ae
KA
Lee
Seung Won
SW
Lee
Hyun Koo
HK
Lee
Kwang-Yong
KY
Kim
Hyeog Ju
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D003815:Dentists; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010820:Physicians; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012042:Registries; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry; D055815:Young Adult