21 September 2023
ARPANSA has launched new eye monitor technology to help medical workers track photon and beta radiation doses to the lens of their eyes.
Workers can use the eye dosimeter to track their eye radiation exposure levels over time and ensure that they are within the safe limits prescribed by regulatory standards.
The new monitors have been designed to support the health and safety of workers in occupations such as interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, medical imaging, and other industries that use ionising radiation.
Personal Radiation Monitoring Service (PRMS) Assistant Director Stephen Marks believes the new equipment meets a critical gap in the radiation protection market.
‘Our eyes are particularly sensitive to radiation and can be vulnerable to damage if exposed to excessive doses,' said Mr Marks.
‘That's why we're passionate about empowering workers in the medical field to safeguard their eye health.
‘The data gained from the monitors can also be used by employers and radiation safety officers to assess the effectiveness of radiation shielding measures and implement necessary adjustments to protect workers' eyes.’
The eye monitors easily attach to a headband or radiation safety glasses. It is recommended that eye monitors are used in addition to other monitors that measure radiation exposure to the torso, such as the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) whole body monitor.
‘Radiation is a critical tool in many medical and industrial applications, so it is important that we keep workers safe and monitor exposure to ensure they are protected from any harmful effects,’ said Mr Marks.
Find out more: PRMS eye monitors.
