The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and dosimetry auditors globally to develop a world first film dosimetry intercomparison tool. 

The resulting film dosimetry tool will be used in auditing to compare the delivered and planned radiation dose to cancer patients.

Development is being led by ARPANSA’s Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service (ACDS). 

ACDS is Australia’s only independent dosimetry auditing service, providing extra surety for around 70,000 Australians who will be treated with radiotherapy for cancer this year. 

Once complete, the intercomparison will enhance the quality and certainty of results in film dosimetry comparison for radiation auditors around the world.  

‘It is widely agreed that a global film dosimetry intercomparison is needed to advance radiation oncology auditing’ said Senior Medical Physicist and project lead, Dr Andrew Alves. 

‘Film dosimetry is a very precise method of measuring radiation exposure, but variables including different software, scanners and film type, can make comparison difficult.’ 

The intercomparison tool will provide the IAEA with a resource to support greater use of film dosimetry across global radiotherapy providers. 

‘We are confident that the outcome of this new, standardised tool will enhance the way we currently verify radiation doses and enable other countries to introduce film dosimetry in their audits,’ said Dr Ivan Williams, Chief Medical Radiation Scientist of ARPANSA. 

Results of the film dosimetry intercomparison will be made available through IAEA networks. 

ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation and provides services and undertakes research relating to medical use of radiation. 

Read more about the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service on our website: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/our-services/testing-and-calibration/calibra…;

Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy—known as 'EME'—is emitted by mobile phones and other telecommunications equipment. To make it easier for members of the public to understand how EME is regulated, ARPANSA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

This formal commitment between the two agencies is an extension of their existing collaboration and information-sharing, and will ensure that EME regulatory arrangements are developed from a sound evidence base.

CEOs Carl-Magnus Larsson (ARPANSA, left) and Chris Chapman (the ACMA) sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

The agencies have distinct but complementary roles in EME regulation:

• ARPANSA is the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Based on an assessment of relevant scientific research and international guidance, ARPANSA sets the human exposure limits for RF EME emitted by telecommunications equipment.
• The ACMA is Australia’s communications regulator. To make sure EME exposure from equipment is kept low, the ACMA applies the ARPANSA EME exposure limits to consumer devices (such as mobile phones) and telecommunications facilities (such as mobile phone base stations).

ARPANSA has published new fact sheets on EME and health that consolidate and update previously available information in a handy new format. 

ARPANSA and the ACMA have also released joint statements on EME topics of public interest.

The ARPANSA and the ACMA MoU and joint statements can be found at ARPANSA and the AMCA Memorandum of Understanding.

Recruitment is currently underway for the next Chief Radiation Health Scientist and Head of Radiation Health Services Branch of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

The successful candidate will undertake a unique, combined role, that will provide strategic and operational leadership for the effective and efficient management of the Radiation Health Services Branch.

They will also be directly responsible for the delivery of work programs and services across the four sections of the branch and will establish and sustain strong collaborative arrangements with other branch and offices within ARPANSA.

Engagement with national and international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and collaboration with State and Territory radiation regulators is a key component of the role.

Having an excellent understanding of the science underpinning radiation protection and nuclear safety is a key job capability.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 15 May 2022.

Read the full job description: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/chief-radiation-health-scientist-and-head-ra…

Illegal laser pointers that are being imported into the country due to incorrect product labelling is an issue being pinpointed to Australia’s Freight and Trade Alliance this month by ARPANSA scientist Dr Chris Brzozek.  

Dr Brzozek says that in some cases, laser pointers more than 100 times the legal power limit are finding their way into consumers' hands. 

In Australia, all laser pointers that are available to the public must have a radiant power output of less than 1 milliwatt (mW).  

Anything above that is considered a prohibited weapon.  

Dr Brzozek says that unreliable specifications and deliberate misrepresentation of the output power provided at the point of sale are an increasing problem.  

A 2013 study by the University of New South Wales found that the vast majority of laser pointers in their sample, 42 out of 44, exceeded the power limit of 1mW. 

‘Our message to customs brokers, freight forwarders and the sector more broadly is to double check product labels. Laser pointers without a label or that are labelled incorrectly can be referred to the authorities,’ said Dr Brzozek. 

‘We also say to consumers to be careful - especially when laser products are used by children.’ 

Humans have a blink reflex that can protect the eye from a laser beam with a radiant power of 1mW or below. But that aversion response has limited effectiveness to prevent hazards when laser beams are above 1mW.  

‘When a laser pointer is shone into the eyes of an unsuspecting victim, it can have a ‘flash-blindness’ effect,’ said Dr Brzozek. 

‘Flashed into the eye of someone driving or operating machinery, it could result in their death. 

‘Even for people not doing safety critical activities, the injury from staring into a laser beam could include permanent damage to their eye, resulting in vision loss. 

‘Powerful laser pointers can also burn the skin.’ 

Dr Brzozek will be educating Australia’s supply-chain sector as part of a series of compliance training workshops throughout May and June. 

This work forms part of ARPANSA’s role as a health advisor working to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.  

Read more about Laser Hazards and Safety on the ARPANSA website. 

Under the Australian Government’s Electromagnetic Energy Program, ARPANSA provides funding to support priority research on radio waves and health.

ARPANSA is pleased to announce its first successful project under the new EME Program Research Framework. 

‘We are delighted to be working with RMIT and the Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR) team to progress their research proposal investigating the impact of non-ionising radiation on cell permeability’, said Assoc Prof Sarah Loughran, EME Program Director at ARPANSA.

‘This study fills a gap in current research through its investigation of potential non-thermal effects of higher frequency radio waves and aims to develop an understanding of the exposure level at which non-thermal effects may be observed.’

The project will be led by RMIT University Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova and was selected from a competitive process following a call for proposals in late 2021.

‘We are very pleased to be supported by ARPANSA on this important research’, said Prof Ivanova, School of Science, RMIT University.

‘While there is strong scientific literature pertaining to older mobile telecommunications systems, there is comparatively little on the millimetre wave frequencies planned for future 5G systems’, said Prof Ivanova.

‘This knowledge is crucial given the strong societal concern about the 5G roll-out.’

This research is funded as the first ‘major project’ under ARPANSA’s new EME Program Research Framework, which provides opportunities for universities, hospitals and medical research institutes to access funding and support to address priority areas of EME and health research.

‘This study, and the research being conducted under the EME program more broadly, provides valuable evidence to underpin our work in protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation’, said Assoc Prof Loughran.

‘This is the first of many studies that will help further build the international body of knowledge on this important topic’.

RMIT has secured $140,000 from ARPANSA to undertake this research, which is expected to be completed by 2024.

For more information on this study, please read the research brief.
 

ARPANSA experts have published an article in Public Health Research and Practice, a journal of the Sax Institute, that calls for more research into the use of non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes.

Cosmetic radiation treatments such as laser hair removal and IPL skin rejuvenation are growing in popularity, but consumers are at risk of injuries such as burns, blistering, scarring and eye damage.

‘There is currently no national approach to regulation of devices or services that use non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes, with the exception of the ban on solariums’ said Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, Assistant Director, Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA.

At a state level, only Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia have regulatory controls, but even then only for certain optical cosmetic applications.

‘Despite a public perception that cosmetic radiation procedures are quick and easy, many are complex and require specific skills and experience to apply correctly,’ said Karipidis.

‘This review highlights the absence of any consistent and well-defined training requirements across all Australian jurisdictions.’

ARPANSA has published national advice for consumers and treatment providers, however more research in this space is needed to determine the overall public health impact.

ARPANSA has teamed up with Monash University to seek a PhD Candidate to undertake research in injuries resulting from cosmetic application of non-ionising radiation. This research will help further develop the body of knowledge to better understand the health and safety impact of radiation used in cosmetic procedures.

‘Our primary concern is to protect Australians from the harmful effects of radiation. We’re working with Monash University to support a PhD candidate to further investigate the health impact of radiation used in cosmetic procedures’, said Associate Professor Karipidis.

‘Further understanding of the injury burden will assist in further policy considerations by State and Territory regulators.’

Read the full journal article: https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp32122204

Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson will retire from the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) on 21 March 2022.

Dr Larsson joined ARPANSA as CEO in March 2010 following a successful career with the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority.

During his 12 years leading ARPANSA, Dr Larsson has led a gradual transformation of the federal government agency, leveraging international engagement to further build Australia’s reputation as a leader in radiation protection and nuclear safety.

‘I am proud of what the agency has achieved during my 12 years as CEO,’ said Dr Larsson. This is a credit to the competence and dedication of staff across the organisation, and their willingness to take on new challenges.

‘We have been successful in raising the international profile of Australian expertise and made significant advances in science, in the effective regulation of radiation across jurisdictions, and delivering services to the Australian community.’

Highlights from Dr Larsson’s time at ARPANSA include:

• Increased transparency and visibility of ARPANSA’s regulatory and scientific activities through expanding public communication and international engagement.
• Progress towards a coordinated approach to radiation regulation across Australian jurisdictions with independent advice from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission in 2018.
• Significant upgrade of laboratory and building infrastructure, and investment in new technology to enhance and support service delivery and research.  
• Modernisation of management system and internal data handling to improve the agency’s internal workflows and ensure consistent and efficient operations.
• Incorporating community engagement and participation into radiation protection and nuclear safety licencing and advisory activities.

‘My focus has always been on building a culture of safety, consultation and transparency and I value the input and engagement we have received from communities, members of the public, the scientific community and the nuclear sector.’

‘It has been a privilege to work with so many advocates and experts, including our dedicated staff and government colleagues who have achieved a lot during my time as CEO,’ said Dr Larsson.

Following Dr Larsson’s retirement, the Australian Government has appointed Dr Gillian Hirth as CEO of ARPANSA.

Dr Hirth was appointed Deputy CEO in 2017 and currently serves as Chief Health Radiation Scientist. She is the current Australian Representative and Chair of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). 

‘It is an honour to be appointed CEO of ARPANSA which represents independent regulation in radiation protection and nuclear safety,’ said Dr Gillian Hirth.

‘I am committed to ARPANSA’s broad and interesting program of work that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.’

Dr Hirth is a member of the Commission on Safety Standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a member of the Main Commission of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

‘I look forward to leading the agency as we oversee the implementation of important national projects such as the establishment of a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility and contributing to the development of strong stewardship arrangements for an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability,’ said Dr Hirth.

At a global level, Dr Hirth joins a handful of female CEOs in large nuclear organisations.

Read more about the Australian Government announcement on: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-dr-david-gillespie-mp/media…

ARPANSA has issued a licence to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to prepare a site for the Intermediate Level Waste Capacity Increase (ILWCI) facility. 

The ILWCI facility will enable an increase in storage capacity for intermediate level solid waste. 

ANSTO estimates its current intermediate level solid waste storage will reach its capacity in 2027 and the ILWCI facility extends the period by ten years, allowing continued production of nuclear medicine. 

ARPANSA is responsible for licensing Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation and applies a strict review and assessment process once a licence application is received. 

‘An important consideration in granting the ILWCI siting licence was the conceptual safety and security design of the facility’, says Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson, Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA. 

‘Additional considerations were informed by advice from the Nuclear Safety Committee, input from public consultation and international best practices.’ 

Public consultation is an important factor in the decision-making process and a requirement at every stage of the licence application process.  

‘We thank all interested parties for their contributions and engagement throughout the consultation process’, said Dr Larsson. 

The siting licence approval is only the first stage of a stringent licencing process. ARPANSA expects future applications for ILWCI facility construction, operations, and decommissioning as the ANSTO project progresses. 

Read the full assessment report.

A review led by ARPANSA has shown that sunscreen is safe to use and, when applied correctly, reduces the risk of skin cancer and sunburn.

The review paper examines the benefits and risks of sunscreens, compliance requirements and how sunscreen should be used for optimal effectiveness. Results showed there is still work required to change behaviour of Australians to use sunscreen and apply it correctly. 

‘Behaviour change takes time and persistence and we have seen really positive evidence of Australians protecting their skin from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) over the years’, said Dr Stuart Henderson, lead author and Assistant Director, UVR Exposure Assessment at ARPANSA. 

‘There is still work to be done to ensure people apply enough sunscreen frequently enough to provide good protection and there is also a need to combine this with hats, clothing, sunglasses and shade’, said Dr Henderson. 

‘Sunscreen should be the last line of defence against UVR.’ 

Published in a skin cancer prevention edition of Public Health Research & Practice (PHRP), a journal of the Sax Institute, the paper recommends continued regulation and long-term skin cancer prevention policies and programs to promote effective use of sunscreen and other sun protection measures. 

‘We found that existing regulation and compliance processes are valuable in protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of products sold in Australia’, said Dr Stuart Henderson. 

‘However, the testing methods available to determine the efficacy of sunscreen products are not ideal.’ 

Current sunscreen testing relies on applying UVR to the skin of volunteers to determine the ability of sunscreens to prevent skin reddening or sunburn. 

‘We advocate strongly for further research to develop a suitable testing method that does not involve exposing people to harmful UV,’ said Dr Henderson. 

The paper is included in the special skin cancer prevention edition of PHRP, published open access with the support of Cancer Council, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Australian Public Service Graduate Program.

The agency is seeking two graduates to join the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Graduate Program in 2022.

The program aims to foster the next generation of leaders in radiation protection and nuclear safety.

‘We’re offering STEM graduates the opportunity to engage in a rewarding career that plays a vital role in health protection both within Australia and internationally,’ said Dr Gillian Hirth, Chief Radiation Health Scientist and Deputy CEO at ARPANSA.

‘Australia is well-regarded within in the international community as a leader in radiation protection and our staff contribute to research, advice and standards on a global level.’

Both graduates will rotate through various teams over a 24-month period including radiation health services, medical radiation services and regulatory services.

‘Our program provides a unique opportunity for graduates to understand ARPANSA’s role in developing a strong radiation protection and nuclear safety framework for Australia’s nuclear-submarine program,’ said Dr Hirth.

‘This is part of a larger recruitment drive that ARPANSA is undertaking as we continue to strengthen our specialised workforce.’

ARPANSA protects Australians and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

To find out more visit the Career Pathways Portal: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/graduate-portal