UNICOx-ray

Radiation protection – weighing up the benefits and the dangers

Swiss Legislation on Radiological Protection stipulates that it is only be permissible to practise an activity in the course of which people or the environment are exposed to ionising radiation provided it is possible to justify it in terms of the associated benefits and dangers. This Act is also based on the order of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). It applies to all activities, facilities, events and circumstances that might engender a threat through ionising radiation and cause increased radioactivity in the environment. The Radiological Protection Department of the FOPH issues permits for handling systems that cause ionising radiation – such as in the medical sector, industry, education and research. In addition, the Department monitors the compliance of the facilities and safety of the people working in them.

Annual radiation dose from natural sources

The annual average dose of radiation a person is exposed to from natural sources is around 1.3 millisieverts (mSv). Over the course of a lifetime, this value adds up to around 100 mSv, with no anticipated no damage. The natural dose amounts to 0.0002 mSv per hour. There are also a further 2 to 3 mSv per year (especially from x-rays).

Annual radiation doses of occupationally exposed persons

The situation is different for occupationally exposed persons. People who absorb an effective dose of more than 1 mSv per year because they conduct their training or profession in a controlled zone or who regularly remain in controlled zones are considered to be exposed to radiation. In the medical profession, people who work in a controlled zone are generally considered as being occupationally exposed. Excluded are all those who only enter the controlled zone in exceptional cases. Persons under 16 years of age may never be employed in exposed areas as a matter of principle.

Particular risks for the eyes

Previously it was thought that the limit of 150 mSv per year set for the eye lenses was on the whole fallen short of. Today we know that a radiation dose of 0.38 to 11.2 mSv is reached per intervention at a distance of 70 cm from the isocenter. At a distance of 1 m it is 0.19 to 5.60 mSv. This means that in the worst case scenario, the limit of 150 mSv is reached after 15 sessions. Deterministic damage to the eye that makes the lens of the eye turn milky and causes cataracts is therefore possible even within a few years.

Unico Graber offers optimum protection

Thanks to the leaded glass spectacles from Unico Graber, your eye lenses are shielded from stray beams by up to 97 % meaning they are not further contaminated. The various frames of the spectacles are available in different design. Thanks to their ergonomic shape, the leaded glass spectacles from Unico Graber are extremely comfortable to wear. The lenses have a lead equivalent of 0.75 mm Pd 110 kV and are manufactured in nonprescription, single and multi vision.

Your advantages at a glance

• Functional and versatile x-ray protective spectacles
• Stylist and generously processed plastic frames
• Can even be used over your own spectacles
• The length and angle of the temple can be adjusted
• Good shielding with cheek/brow protection
• Case and sport band included

For a detailed description of the products please refer to our data sheets

Sources: Dr. M. Körner (Department of Clinical Radiology, Klinikum Innenstadt of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) radiation risk and radiation protection. www.gesundheit.ch