Occupational exposure to radiation

The current health risks associated with exposure to low-dose radiation are extrapolated from high-dose data taken from the Life Span Study of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Currently, a linear no threshold extrapolation is recommended. The numerous technical reports and scientific papers about the Japanese A-bomb survivors were widely interpreted as showing that the effects of occupational exposures to radiation would be too small to detect in epidemiological studies. However, questions about the reliability of the A-bomb results were presented by Stewart and Kneale [2]. Their Oxford Childhood Study observed that children whose in utero exposures were as little as 10 to 20 mSv had 40% more childhood leukemias than those who were not exposed. No similar effects are reported in the A-bomb data. Of course, the finding of no effect is not a compelling argument for or against a safe dose. 

Archer VE. 1977. Occupational exposure to radiation as a cancer hazard. Cancer 39(suppl) 1802-1806. 

Evaluations of occupational exposure to physical agents such as noise, radiation or heat, biological agents, and multiple chemical agents are similar to the process for single chemical substances but have some key differences. 

HS(G)91 A framework for the restnction of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation... 

Hegde AG, Bhat IS. 1983. Occupational exposure to airborne alpha emitters in a BWR atomic power station. Bull Radiat Prot 6(2) 25-28. 

Persistent photosensitivity developed in eight men after occupational exposure to hot epoxy resin fiimes. The condition was limited to sites contacted by the resin. Small doses of ultraviolet-A light evoked abnormal reactions consisting of erythema, edema, and papules in the clinically involved skin. Positive photopatch tests were observed to epoxy resin in four subjects and to bisphenol A in all subjects. Another study showed that bisphenol A can be released during the thermal decomposition of epoxy resin in the temperature range of 250-350°C. Photosensitizing activity was explained by the formation of ftee radicals during exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation of bisphenol A vapor, to form a semiquinone derivative of bisphenol A ... 

Inorganic acids (see Sulfuric acid and other strong inorganic acids, occupational exposures to mists and vapours from) Insecticides, occupational exposures in spraying and application of Ionizing radiation (see Neutrons, y- and X-radiation)... 

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) publishes a web page for comprehensive discussion of guidelines for occupational exposure to UV light and safe practices at http //www.ccohs.ca/osha answers/phys agents/ultraviolet radiation.html. 

The current federal guidelines for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in the United States are in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.96. They stipulate that personnel working in the area where ionizing radiation is produced should not receive in any period of a calendar quarter more than the following dose equivalents (rem) ... 

Dixon DW. 1985. Occupational exposure to natural radiation. Sci Total Environ 45 111-120. 

In all, we receive about 360 mrem/yr from background sources of radiation a dose that varies considerably in both directions depending on local geology, elevation, and other factors. It is worth noting that, even in areas with exceptionally high levels of natural radiation, inhabitants do not appear to suffer from any ill effects. This suggests that occupational exposure to moderately elevated radiation levels is not harmful. 

For apprentices of 16-18 years of age who are training for employment involving exposure to radiation and for students of age 16-18 who are required to use sources in the course of their studies, the occupational exposure shall be so controlled that the following limits are not exceeded ... 

Concerning paternal occupational risk factors fra neuroblastoma, various authors [1,11,12] have suggested that exposure to metal fumes and dusts, benzene, asbestos, or pesticides, but not ionizing or non-ionizing radiation may be related. Paternal occupational exposure to hydrocarbons and paternal employment involving contact with electromagnetic fields working as electricians or as electronics operatives may also have risk factors implications. 

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