Role Of Hands In Radiation Safety

Any exposure to ionizing radiation carries a risk of causing cancer, erythema, hair loss and cataracts

- Satyaki Banerjee

Patient safety in radiation therapy is vital to limit damage to healthy tissues. Maximising safety requires a team commitment and knowledge of the intricacies of advanced technologies. The safety of doctors and healthcare practitioners like radiologists, who are exposed to harmful radiation in laboratories and operating theatres, is important. Wearing the right protection apparel might not be enough since maximum exposure to harmful radiation is on their hands. 

One of the biggest challenges is awareness on the need of adequate radiation protection measures for healthcare professionals. This can be resolved through concerted efforts between regulatory agencies, medical institutions and key opinion leaders in conjunction with industry to educate medical professionals across the country on the deterministic and stochastic effects of radiation exposure. There is adequate requirement of radiation protection to prevent severe health problems for both patients and medical professionals as any exposure to ionizing radiation carries a risk of causing cancer and affects the tissues which lead to erythema, hair loss and cataracts. For most common radiographic exposures, this risk is extremely small. However, as the risk is proportional to the level of exposure, it is important to ensure exposures are kept as low as possible.