Radiation exposure of anaesthesia providers in Africa: an occupational exposure study

Abstract

Background: Radiation exposure has significant physiological and cellular dysfunctional effects. Anaesthesia providers globally are increasingly exposed to interventional hybrid theatres where the risk of radiation exposure is of concern. Currently, there is no policy to monitor occupational radiation exposure of anaesthesia providers in Africa. This observational study aims to quantify occupational radiation exposure of anaesthesia providers at a tertiary academic hospital in a low- to middle-income country.
Methods: Twenty-five anaesthesiology trainees were recruited to participate in this study. Study participants were allocated two passive personal radiation detection devices (dosimeters) to record radiation exposure from X-ray sources during routine anaesthetic practice over a single continuous month. The positioning of the dosimeters was standardised. Participants wore both dosimeters during all working hours over the study period. Participant attendance at work as well as exposure to X-rays were documented. The occupational whole-body effective dose (WBED) was calculated for each participant and extrapolated to determine an estimation of annual radiation exposure.
Results: The number of participants who were exposed to ionising radiation exceeding the threshold radiation dose were 19 (76%) and nine (36%), as detected by dosimeters worn on the outside of or underneath the protective lead apron, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.012) between the readings measured by the dosimeter worn underneath the lead apron compared to readings from the dosimeter worn on the outside of the lead apron. None of our study participants exceeded the annual occupational dose limits. However, the maximum extrapolated annual WBED in our study was 1.127 mSv, which exceeds the recommended exposure limit for pregnant women.
Conclusion: Our study sample was exposed to occupational radiation at levels within acceptable limits, except for pregnant women. This study reiterates the importance of wearing protective lead equipment when working in areas with radiation exposure. Caution should be taken when rostering pregnant staff to areas where radiation exposure occurs.