ALARA Radiation Defense Model - Assignment Example

MODULE AND MODULE TITTLE: ALARA PRINCIPLE AND MATRICULATION NUMBER: WORD COUNT: Definition ALARA is a vitalradiation defense model. This is an ellipsis formed from the word “As Low as Reasonably Achievable”. The idiom refers to a standard that is trying to keep radiations at a linear no threshold. The principle advocates against release of radioactive materials to the environment. This environment can be broadly broken down into the public, students, radiation workers and even the minors (Musolino, Stephen , DeFranco, & Schlueck 2008). A good example that helps in giving a precise explanation to the issue at hand is the emissions coming from the sun. A continuous exposure of ones body parts to the sun has been proven to cause sunburns; researchers also argue it out that much exposure increase the probability of contracting skin diseases. Scientists have not been able to prove that a minimal exposure too causes a prolonged skin trouble, which is why it is essential to use sun screen and avoiding exposure to extreme sunlight. If we had an unlimited sum of money, most people would consider undertaking various techniques in trying to minimize radiation spell. Some measures may prove to be so expensive though feasible, they can not be warranted, and an example may be equipping every home with a radon interception system (Lundell, Hall & Holm 1992). Some techniques basically will not be embraced in the society, like prohibiting people from building houses on high grounds than areas that are on lower terrains. Most researchers and a handful of regulatory bodies consider radiation limits that are currently in place to be safe. However, they have a feeling that it is wise if the radiation doses are minimized below the existing levels. The ALARA philosophy captures this notion by making the word "reasonable" part and parcel of its definition. Of course, we must come up with what constitutes a "reasonable" move. Certainly, this can be subject to numerous different interpretations. Biological basis is an assumption that has been adopted in trying to cub radiation. It assumes a conventional estimate of radiation dose versus effect termed as the “linear hypothesis.” This assumption assumes that any dose, regardless of how small it is, may exact some amount of harm (Toms & David 2006). This danger may take the form of genetic damage or a postulated risk of cancer. These risks are in existence in the absence of radiation, but can be raised by exposure to ionizing radiation. There is an additional element to add to the principles used in ALARA; this helps in enhancing its dose limits used in its operation. The principal is known as the ALARA investigation levels, which is to be achieved using applied practices. Investigation levels should not be confused with dose limits that are strictly adhered to in meeting regulatory compliance (Mozziconacci, J G et al 2005). Instead, doses exceeding this ideology at hand are to be alerted to the management, the safety staff responsible with radiation, and users of radiation. This plays a significant role in carrying out a review in an attempt to identify better practices. Besides maintaining doses as low as is reasonably achievable for individuals, the sum of the doses administered to individuals exposed should be at the lowest realistic level. It is not healthy; to hold the uppermost doses to individuals to some fraction of an applicable limit (Schneider, T & Lochard 1987). If this is involved, exposing extra people by significantly raising the sum of doses received inform of radiations by all involved individuals, this will result to a life threatening issue. Employees are liable for their own safety, particularly in the areas listed below: Awareness 1. Safety Controls and Hazards All respective employees are required to be familiar with probable hazards related to radiation and safety controls in the areas in which they work. 2. Emergency Procedures It has become a prerequisite that most staffs acquaint themselves with the existing operating and emergency procedures pertaining to their safety. 3. Levels of radiation The employees in different fields where radiations emit ions are subject to be experienced, are supposed to be aware of the radiation levels related to their duties (Lane, Rachel, Reinhardt, & Thompson 2010). 4. Regular consultations with the supervisors It is advisable to carry out consultations with supervisors before beginning work where whole body or extremity dose could be considerably greater than what was encountered previously. 5. Unsuitable Practices It is advisable to shun some of the practices that do not follow the ALARA principle. Compliance a. Incidents/Accident All the staffs are required to quickly report accidents of radiation, incidents, and insecure operational circumstances to supervisors and, if appropriate, also alert the radiation safety office. b. Dosimeters The radiation safety office requires that any one assigned a duty in a radiation prone environment to wear a personal radiation dosimeter. c. Bioassay It is advisable for every staff to meet the terms and requirements of the bioassay. Extenuating External Radiation using the ALARA principle Hazards The following alleviation strategies are often realistic and applicable in trying to minimize external radiation hazards. Some of these methods are discussed below. a. Shielding This is the most vital aspect in minimizing the exposure. The most suitable shielding methods are integrated to take care of the sources. For microscopic particles like beta and alpha an uncomplicated cost-effective shielding is considered in restricting the escape of radiation through container. b. Time Workers who work in radiation prone areas marginalize the exposure time by means of allocating work between individuals. Hence numerous sites go after breaking down the available duties into shifts which minimize the growing radiation bout. With the reduced levels of time exposure, this significantly leads to the reduction of the time one is exposed to radiation. c. Distance Keeping the distance between individuals and radiation sources is quite necessary. This principle is applied to penetrating sources of radiation (Lierman & Veuchelen 2005). Increase in distance to non-penetrating sources may not be essential as the rate of danger is insignificant. When handling radioactive sources, one has to consider taking some of the existing precautionary measures; this is to help in ensuring that the distance from the radioactive sources to individuals is marginalized. It is important to have the elements that are in existence such as beta particles, alpha and other numerous particles zero rated. This can be done by ensuring the distance between human beings and these particles is increased (White, John 2004). Principles of Mitigating Internal Radiation Hazards The principles explained below are helpful in mitigating the radiation hazards that are experienced internally. 1. First-rate Hygiene It is recommended that every household maintain good housekeeping habits that effectively minimize the hazards presented by radionuclide’s resulting from the internal radiations (Musolino, Stephen , DeFranco & Schlueck 2008). Some of the basic elements of hygiene are eliminating food and drink in areas where materials with radioactive emit ions are used or stored. 2. Contamination control In order to reduce radioactive effects it is essential to label radioactive items and areas, this helps in containing contamination by preventing the spread of radiations. 3. Airborne effects The use of air masks and keeping off dusty places, aerosol, or impulsive gas production areas can help reduce the probability of inhaling the radioactive particles. 4. Protective garments In order to minimize the chances of eating or absorbing radioactive materials, people are advised to use gloves, laboratory coats, and other protective clothing. Cost-Benefit Analysis There are publications on the cost benefit analysis that are to be implemented in trying to minimize radiation effects (Bevelacqua, John 2010). This reference serves as a framework for describing how cost benefit Strategies can play a major role in the decision-making process for optimizing radiation protection. The basic principle behind cost-benefit methods is to select a protective measure that results in a net benefit that exceeds the next best alternative. The most common method of selecting a protective measure is to assign a dollar cost for a specific dose reduction. References: Musolino, Stephen V, Joseph DeFranco, and Richard Schlueck. “The ALARA principle in the context of a radiological or nuclear emergency.” Health Physics 94.2 (2008) : 109-111. Lundell, G, P Hall, and L E Holm. “Follow the ALARA principle.” Lakartidningen 89.46 (1992) : 3917. Print. Toms, David A. “The mechanical index, ultrasound practices, and the ALARA principle.” Journal of ultrasound in medicine official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 2006 560-561; author reply 561-562. Mozziconacci, J G et al. “Place of the radiation safety officer in the implementation of the ALARA principle through European directive 97-43 items.” Journal De Radiologie 86.5 Pt 1 (2005) : 455-460. Print. Schneider, T, and J Lochard. “Introduction of the ‘ALARA’ principle in the prevention of occupational health risks.” Revue depidemiologie et de sante publique 1987 : 176-179. Print. Musolino, Stephen V, Joseph DeFranco, and Richard Schlueck. “The ALARA principle in the context of a radiological or nuclear emergency.” Health Physics 94.2 (2008) : 109-111. Lierman, S, and L Veuchelen. “The optimisation approach of ALARA in nuclear practice: an early application of the precautionary principle. Scientific uncertainty versus legal uncertainty.” Water Science and Technology 52.6 (2005) : 81-86. Print. Lane, Rachel, Pascale Reinhardt, and Patsy Thompson. “Evidence of childrenʼs vulnerability to radiation in the context of radiological/nuclear events and considerations for emergency response.” Radiation Protection Dosimetry 142.1 (2010) : 36-39. White, John C. “Radiological and Nuclear Response for Emergency Medical Personnel.” Personnel (2004) : 46-57. Print. Bevelacqua, Joseph John. “Practical and effective ALARA.” Health Physics 98 Suppl 2 (2010) : S39-S47. Print. Read More