[Cyclotron work for radioisotope production: exposure risks and prevention measures]

Authors

Published
17 February 2025
Section
ATTI 26° CONVEGNO NAZIONALE AIRM
Pages
277-280

Abstract

In this article, there will be presented the main aspects of the radiation protection for a site dedicated to the production of radioisotopes by cyclotron for medical use. After analyzing the design parameters of the site for the operation from a point of view of the radiation protection of the operators, the population and the environment (shielding around the accelerator, ventilation system, chimney releases etc.), we will focus our attention to the handling of unsealed sources produced, with particular regard to the operating procedures.
The final part will be dedicated to intervention in exceptional operating conditions (entring the bunker due to a machine failure, breaking of a vial during transfer from the hot cell to the transport container and accidental contamination by an operator).

References

  1. 1) Alloni D, Borio di Tigliole A, Coniglio M, Manera S, Piazzoli A, Prata M, Salvini A, Scian G. Produzione di radioisotopi per uso medicale mediante ciclotrone presso il Laboratorio Energia Nucleare Applicata (L.E.N.A.) dell'Università degli Studi di Pavia. Radiazioni Ricerca e Applicazioni, Anno XI N. 1, Aprile 2008, 6-9. Periodico della Società Italiana per le Ricerche sulle Radiazioni (SIRR).
  2. 2) Alloni D, Prata M. Characterisation of the secondary neutron field generated by a compact PET cyclotron with MCNP6 and experimental measurements. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 2017; 128: 204-209. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.07.031 3) NCRP Report N. 51. Radiation Protection design guidelines for 0.1 - 100 MeV particle accelerator facilities. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Washington DC, 1977. 4) Alloni D, Prata M, Smilgys B. Experimental and Monte Carlo characterization of radionuclidic impurities originated from proton irradiation of [OH, in a modern medical cyclotron. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 2019; 146: 84-89.
  3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.01.026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.01.026

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