ELEMENTS OF A RADIATION SAFETY PROGRAM FOR 125I PRODUCTION

Abstract

The development of a radiation safety program for 125I production has been described. The generic elements of a radiation safety program prescribed by the International Atomic Energy Agency have been examined and the special considerations relevant to radiation safety at an 125I production facility have been identified. Development of four components of a radiation safety program has been described in detail. The four components include: development of action levels for surface contamination, development of air effluent release limits, evaluation of the impact of production activities on the emergency plan and the conduct of a dose optimization review of production activities. The importance of careful planning and dose budgeting when introducing production activities has been demonstrated. The methodologies for a dose optimization process that resulted in a ninety percent reduction in collective doses are presented. While the results of the analyses that are presented are specific to radiation safety for I production, the general approach to assessment of radiation safety program needs can be applied broadly to designing and implementing radiation safety programs.