Ionizing radiation film badge

Film badge A personal dosimeter containing photographic film that is darkened by ionizing radiation, used to evaluate the degree of ionizing radiation exposure in comparison to a control film. 

Employees working in the area where EB equipment is operating must be monitored for exposure to ionizing (mainly x-ray) radiation with film badges that detect and quantify any exposure to stray radiation. Employers must train workers thoroughly in the operation of the equipment and proper safety and hygiene, and must keep records of exposure of their personnel to ionizing radiation. 

A dose meter or dosimeter is an instrument that measures radiation dose. Personnel dosimetry is accomplished with such devices as the film badge, thermoluminescent dosimeter, or pocket ionization chamber. In this way continuous recording of cumulative radiation dose can be maintained. 

Dosimeter—Small portable instrument (such as a film badge, thermo luminescent dosimeter, or pocket dosimeter) for measuring and recording the total accumulated dose of ionizing radiation a person receives. 

One must monitor the exposure for each worker potentially involved with ionizing radiation. Visitor exposures are also important. OSHA and other organizations require such records. Typically, individuals wear film badges, pocket ionization detectors or other instruments while in areas where there are possible exposures. There are record for exposures. Employers must retain records for each person. 

An example of an intermediate technique lying between medical monitoring and measurement of the amount of stressor in the workplace is the use of film badges and TLD dosimeters to measure exposure to ionizing radiation. 

These are determined by the dose received, i.e. the type and intensity of the radiations and the period of exposure. Special instruments - ionization chambers or Gieger-Miiller tubes - are used to measure the dose rate. Exposure levels can be determined by the use of film badges. 

Effect of Radiation on Matter—The ionizing power of radiation (Fig. 25-10) is the basis both of radiation s effects on matter and methods used to detect radiation. Radiation detectors include simple film badges, Geiger-Miiller (G-M) counters for routine measurements (Fig. 25-11), and scintillation counters in biomedical studies. Two units of measure are used to quantify exposure to radioactivity. One—the rad (radiation absorbed dose)— is related to the amount of radiation energy absorbed, while the other—the rem (radiation equivalent for man)—takes into account the differing effects of the various types of radiation (Table 25.5). 

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