IAEA Study on Child Radiation Doses from CT Scans

An international study, conducted by the IAEA, has shown that in some countries children are over-exposed while performing computed tomography (CT) scans. These children are receiving adult-sized radiation doses, although experts have warned against the practice for over a decade.

The study, which was carried out at 128 healthcare facilities in 28 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, also found great variation in radiation levels and in the frequency of CT scans performed on children under 15 years of age. The study showed that 11 CT centres in six countries were using adult exposure parameters for paediatric patients. This is due to the operator´s lack of awareness and with CT scans it is difficult to detect higher exposures from the image obtained. If the exposure is too high, the image does not deteriorate and in fact, it tends to look better.

This is in contrast to the conventional X-rays. If the exposure is slightly higher, the image goes black indicating that a higher radiation dose is given than required.
(IAEA News)

Some more radioactive sources found in Delhi

Radiation monitoring experts from BARC have detected two more Co-60 sources in a scrap shop in the Mayapuri junk market. In view of the high energy radiations of Co-60 and its potential for causing harm in case of exposures, it is desirable that the authorities seriously look into the causes for the incidents and rectify the same so that there is nuclear-scare amongst the public. Among others, the authorities should also consider:

1. As a matter of requirement, all the scrap yards and metallic scrap shops should have radiation detection systems in place.
2. Import of metallic scrap should be banned.
3. Steel companies also should have radiation monitoring system in place for scrap monitoring before the scrap is processed for melting.
4. Medical management of radiation injuries should be part of curriculum in all the medical colleges.
5. Public awareness regarding radiation and radiation detection should be inculcated amongst para-medical staff and crime detection agencies.

Radioactive source search and recovery – Mayapuri Delhi

Finding a radioactive source in scrap has become a common radiological occurrence world-wide. This is unfortunate because there is no way of knowing that a person is exposed to a radioactive source unless the exposure is severe and clinical changes are detectable in the exposed individuals as in the case of Mayapuri incident. BARC scientists have done a good job of searching and recovering the source in a scrap-yard in the locality. The so-called decayed sources and scraped industrial and medical cameras containing radioactive sources find entry into the scrap yards. This is a global problem and needs to be addressed by the regulators.

India, being a terror-targeted country, stringent monitoring and surveillance programs should be in place at all the scrap entry points like ports and all scrap-yards should be equipped with radiation detection systems. The existing laws governing the handling and disposal of radioactive sources should be enforced strictly to ensure safety of members of the public. The mass media channels should be used to create awareness about the radiation, radiation detection and radiation protection aspects. It is high time, we should wake up!