Answer to Question #12847 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Industrial Radiation — Industrial Exposures

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

I worry that I exposed my fingers to radiation from an x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, especially my index finger. How would I be able to tell and what would my long-term effects be, if it were so. I do feel a slight ache in the bone, but is that my imagination? Would I even feel anything? How could I find out if I was exposed, or would it be necessary?

A

It is doubtful that your fingers were exposed to x-ray radiation from an XRF analyzer. XRF analyzers are designed and built to be a "minimal-threat device." One of the design features is that the analyzer must have an interlock that will not allow x rays to be produced when the shielded door is open to access the sample holder. Your company's radiation safety officer (RSO) is most likely required to test the interlock annually to assure that the x rays are turned off if the sample access door is opened during operations. Also, when the x-ray generator is off, there is no residual radiation at all. Check with your RSO to verify that the XRF analyzer is operating properly and that the XRF analyzer has been inspected, tested, and surveyed, at least annually. The company RSO would be the best person to tell you if you might have been exposed to radiation. If you don't have a company RSO, you may need to contact a health physicist (radiation safety specialist) in your area.

Additionally, if your finger was exposed due to a faulty interlock, it would take a fairly long time in a typical XRF device's primary beam (where the sample is held) to have any detectable radiation symptoms. It takes a few days for these symptoms to appear. Detectable radiation symptoms would be (1) first reddening of the skin and (2) then the appearance of ulcers and/or boils that resemble those of an ordinary heat burn. This is known because long in the past, when people first started working with x rays, dentists would hold the x-ray films in their patient's mouth; and had their hands/fingers repeatedly exposed to enough radiation to cause these radiation symptoms. Aching in the bones was not reported as one of the symptoms of high levels of radiation exposure to the fingers.

John P. Hageman, MS, CHP

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