Occupational exposure to radiation
...
considers different sources and types of radiation that may occur in the workplace
and how these are controlled.
Exposure to ionizing radiation occurs in many occupations. Artificial sources
of radiation are commonly used in the manufacturing and service industries, in
areas of defence, in research institutions, and in universities, as well as in
the nuclear power industry. Moreover, we have seen in Chapter 8 that they are
extensively used by physicians and health professionals.
Some workers are also exposed to natural sources of radiation
in such circumstances that a measure of supervision and protection is required.
This
is particularly true of exposure to radon in mines and in ordinary
premises
throughout areas where radon levels are high.
With the relatively high
dose rates experienced in air travel due to elevated levels of cosmic rays
at flying altitudes, some consider that supervision is also required for
air crew, although it is less clear to what extent their exposures can
readily be reduced.
