09127 - Radioprotection (IM)

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, the student has the knowledge and ability to understand concepts related to radiation protection of man, of the environment and things.

Course contents

Properties of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations. Ionizing radiation corpuscular. Electromagnetic radiation. The X-rays and gamma rays. The sources of ionizing radiation in medicine: radioactive substances and x-ray machines.

Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter: penetration of ionizing radiation in matter; interaction of ionizing radiation with a biological system; phase physical, chemical and biological.

Quantities used in radiation protection. Absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose. The measurement of the dose: the Gray and the Sievert.

Ionizing radiation and the environment in which we live. The radioactivity. The radioactive decay. The natural sources of ionizing radiation. Artificial sources of ionizing radiation.

Biological effects of ionizing radiation. Deterministic somatic effects. Stochastic somatic effects. Genetic stochastic effects. Irradiation in utero: deterministic and stochastic effects on the embryo and fetus.

Basic principles of radiation protection and legislation in force. The principles of justification, optimization, dose limits. The classification of areas of work and workers. The physical and medical surveillance of radiation protection.

How to use and risks from ionizing radiation in a hospital (in particular in the Operating Units of Radiology, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, in Operating Room and Ward). Risks from radiation emanating from the patient.

Main factors of radiation protection: distance; time; shields fixed, mobile and personal. Internal rules of radiation protection. Personal dosimetry.

Readings/Bibliography

Transparencies, handouts and lecture notes.

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Assessment methods

Oral examination aimed at assessing whether the student has transposed sufficient radioprotection issues presented in class.

Teaching tools

PC and projector for PowerPoint presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Galli