Dose constraints for occupational and public exposure in Europe: Survey findings and insights from EURADOS WG12

PURPOSE: Dose constraints (DC), as a tool of optimization, are still under research. This element of radiation protection seems to be essential, especially in interventional cardiology and radiology, where the occupational and public exposure doses may be relatively prominent. This article presents findings and insights to status of implementation the dose constraints in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaire has been sent to two target groups in Europe - regulatory bodies representants and medical facilities' workers, involved in establishing dose constraints and maintaining radiation protection e.g. radiation protection officers/experts or medical physicists. Collected data and analyze of answering show mainly that the dose constraints are implemented, both for occupational and public exposure, nevertheless there are differences in methods of implementation. RESULTS: The survey was fulfilled by 17 Regulatory Bodies (RB) from different European countries and by 50 Medical Facility Representants (MF) from 14 European countries. Using dose constraints as defined in the Basic Safety Standard document confirmed 82% of RBs and 76% of MF. Other, most important answers for questions targeted to both groups (RBs and MFs) as responsibility of setting DCs, also divided into two groups - occupational and public exposure, also with analysis are presented in this paper. CONCLUSIONS: The need of preparing guidance is seen, especially for usage dose constraints in occupational exposure. What is more, respondents see the positive aspects of dose constraints, in terms of optimization, safer work environment and risk reduction.