Since our beginning, we have seen many users of ionizing radiation not practicing ALARA – as low as reasonably achievable. The ALARA principle is based on a linear-no-threshold dose model and is the foundation of a program to keep radiation exposure at a minimum. ALARA programs are required for all radiation protection programs by federal and state rules and regulations. ALARA is suggested to protect people from exposure to radiation and the environment from additional and unintended release of radioactive materials.
Three Tecniques of ALARA
Three techniques in an ALARA program are time, distance, and shielding. These three principles should be implemented when working with ionizing radiation.
Time: Limit or minimize the time you are exposed to radiation. The radiation dose is linearly correlated to the length of time you are exposed to radiation. The longer the exposure, the more damage. Radiation burns from X-rays, alpha rays, or gamma rays can happen quickly and cause painful and dangerous injuries.
Distance: Limit or minimize the proximity to the source of radiation. The closer the exposure, the more damage. The severity of injury due to radiation exposure exponentially decreases comparatively to the distance to the source.
Shielding: Devices can protect from radioactivity. Shielding works because of the principle of attenuation, the gradual decrease of energy’s intensity through a medium, by absorbing radiation between the source of radioactivity and the location to be protected. Radiation shielding comes in many forms, including the lead in aprons, glasses, walls, and shields.
Additionally, ALARA programs can incorporate techniques to limit radiation exposure, including controlling contamination, minimizing airborne hazards, proper hygiene, and using the correct PPE.
Good Practices and Preparation
Controlling Contamination: If a spill or exposure to radioactive materials occurs, it is essential to manage it quickly with absorbent papers and spill trays disposed of in a labeled waste container. Radioactive materials should have proper labels and containers before a spill occurs to limit possible contamination. Adequate training and having spill kits available can make a difference.
Minimizing Airborne Hazards: During or after a spill or when working with gaseous substances, measures should be taken to reduce airborne contamination. Using ventilation hoods and avoiding aerosols minimizes the potential to breathe in radioactive particles.
Proper Hygiene: You reduce radiation hazards by exercising good hygiene and cleanliness at work and home. It is not advised to eat or drink when radioactive substances are present. Do not put your hands near your mouth or nose or touch your eyes in the presence of radiation. These simple practices help reduce internal radiation exposure.
PPE: Personal protective equipment should be worn in all circumstances around radioactivity. Gloves, a lab coat, goggles, and shielding devices should be worn. Not using PPE effectively will lead to ineffective practices and protection. In addition, an instrument for measuring radiation (dosimeters), like those sold at Radiation Safety, LLC, should be included in PPE.
Implementing these ALARA techniques and educating staff to utilize them should minimize radiation exposure and keep radioactive doses as low as reasonably achievable. As always, check with your RSO. Radiatioin Safety, LLC is a radiation detection company that provides instruments for measuring radiation with radiation dosimeter badges and rings.
Why are your dosimeter badge prices going up? Let me tell you a secret. Large laboratories and radiation detection companies are gradually increasing your prices, hoping you will not notice. Are you getting billed for things that were once free? Have you noticed a gradual price increase over the last three years? The price increases have been subtle but added up, they are charging more for dosimters than ever before. Radiation Safety can help you save money.
We can help you transition easily and being a radiation dosimeter program. You will have a certified lab and i comply with radiation safety requirements. And what’s better? Our service makes it simple to start or transfer from an existing lab. We ARE the most cost-effective solution and guarantee our prices for three years from the start date of your initial order! You have our guarantee that we will not increase your price.
Our OSL dosimeter badges are the industry standard as they adhere to the industry standard and are the highest quality available. Further, we offer multiple solutions to your needs whether you need an area monitor, dosimeter rings, radiation detection badges, or fetal monitors. We can serve a practice of one employeee or a hospital chain of 1000. We serve all types of industries and will help you be successful.
Our radiation detection badges are shockproof and water resilient. Small and stay out of the way while you do your work. They are ready to use as soon as they arrive. To further simplify the process, we offer our state-of-the-art “mydosereport” to read reports, make changes to your account and monitor the next set of dosimeter badges. Unlike many competitors, we do not charge hidden or excessive fees. Our team is ready to help you! Call or email if we answer the phone or respond on the same business day. We will prove that our service is world-class and our team cares. So if you’re worried about dosimeter cost, we’re here to ease your worries away. Whatever your radiation detection needs, let us help you with the best service and the lowest dosimeter badge price. We guarantee! Call us today at 833-456-7233. Dosimetry Badges and Rings from Radiation Safety: Monitoring Radiation Exposure
What is OSL Dosimetry and Radiation Detection Badges?
RadiationSafety.com utilizes OSL dosimetry in its radiation detection badges. OSL is optically stimulated luminescence; dosimetry measures ionizing radiation dosages. It allows for measuring exposure to radioactive isotopes over a specific time. Many agree that OSL dosimetry is a better alternative to thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) technology.
OSL dosimeter badges are the industry standard used by governments, hospitals, labs, and companies worldwide. An OSL dosimeter is a passive form of radiation detection that requires optical stimulation to function. It detects X-rays, gamma radiation, and beta particles. Some of our competitors are saying that “there’s really no difference”. Read below, and you decide. For a lower price do you want Radiation Safety’s four-element OSL Badges or do you want older technology which utilizes TLD badges?
Basics of OSL Technology
OSL dosimeters are materials that trap electrons from radioactive isotopes in their defective crystalline structure. Some utilize aluminum oxide (AI203) to absorb and release radioactive energy to measure the radiation dose received precisely. The OSL dosimeters store the electrons until they are released through stimulation. While heat is used to stimulate TLD dosimeters, light stimulates the elements within the OSL dosimeters. The OSL dosimeter then releases the energy stored in the dosimeter as the emitted light is measured. Since they utilize passive technology, the laboratory can read the OSL radiation detection badge multiple times without significantly fading.
Our OSL radiation detection x-ray badges are shockproof, water resistant, and unaffected by heat. These radiation monitors are durable and simple to use. With OSL technology, badges are re-readable. A second reading of the radiation dose from an OSL dosimeter may only decrease by as small as a one percent difference compared to its first reading. In contrast. TLD dosimeters cannot be read multiple times. OSL dosimeters provide a high degree of sensitivity and can give an accurate reading as low as 1 mrem for gamma-ray and X-ray particles. In addition, OSL badges measure the amount of scatter ionizing radiation. OSL radiation detection badges can also be used as area monitors. An area monitor measures the radiation in the environment over a specified period of time.
Our policy states that if a badge is lost, late, or unreturned, you must inform us promptly and request a replacement. Please note that a fee will be charged to your account for each lost, late, or unreturned badge. We have a 75-day grace period for lost badges or dosimeter rings, the longest in the industry. If a badge is found, a credit will be issued to your account. This credit will help offset the initial charge for the lost badge.
If you are ordering badges, we offer a wide range of frequency options When your badges or rings are returned to the lab, a report is generated. The options include monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reporting. By offering these choices, you can select the reporting frequency according to your requirements, ensuring timely monitoring of radiation exposure levels.
Is radiation exposure from airport security checkpoints dangerous while using X-ray detectors? The danger of radiation exposure from X-ray detector machines is highest for individuals who work near the devices, such as security personnel or postal workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers’ maximum allowable radiation exposure dose is 5,000 millirems (mrem) per year.
Studies have shown that the radiation doses from properly maintained X-ray machines are below this limit. For example, a study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that the radiation exposure from a properly functioning X-ray machine was only 0.5 mrem per hour at a distance of one meter.
It is important to note that the danger of X-ray radiation exposure is much lower for individuals not close to them. For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated that the X-ray radiation exposure from their X-ray detectors is “minuscule” and poses no health risk to passengers. While there is potential radiation exposure from X-ray detectors or scanners, the risk is minimal if the machines are properly maintained and appropriately operated according to OSHA and ALARA recommendations.
Therefore, for the general public, it is most likely that there is not a significant risk of radiation exposure from airport X-ray detectors or security scanners in other facilities. However, workers near these machines should take appropriate precautions to limit exposure. They should also consider wearing dosimeter badges and dosimeter extremity rings. As always, check with your radiation safety officer (RSO).
References: – Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Ionizing Radiation. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/– National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2013). Radiation Safety of X-ray Security Screening Systems. Retrieved from https://www.nist.gov– Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). Advanced Imaging Technology. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov
We are sorry if we missed you at Smilecon 2023 in Orlando, FL! What a great time for meeting dental professionals, staff, and, of course, other exhibitors! There were individuals from all over the USA and even international attendees. The ADA did an exceptional job of creating the right environment for learning and opportunities for networking. It was great to learn more about radiation detection and dosimeter badges at smilecon Orlando.
While there were only a couple of dosimeter companies in attendance, it was helpful to see what strides are being made for the reduction of scatter radiation in X-rays for both staff and patients. I am looking forward to next year and seeing how many dental professionals attend in New Orleans.
If you see this and are a dental provider, consider using our dosimeter badges and rings to protect you and your staff. We have noticed an uptick in dental offices utilizing our ring dosimeters since many staff use the nomad x-ray. Feel free to reach out for a specific price quote for your dental office at 833.456.7233 or [email protected]
Radiationsafety.com is a radiation detection company that provides the leading OSL XBG dosimeter for medical, government, and industrial uses.
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