Answer to Question #1986 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Doses and Dose Calculations — Basic dose information, dose quantities, units

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

I would like to know what practical steps are taken to reduce staff dose.

This question is relevant to health physics, but is both vague and so broad as to be very difficult to answer. Protection of workers from radiation is a multifaceted problem, depending on the industry involved and the particular sources and workplace characteristics in each case. The general principles of minimizing exposure time, maximizing exposure distance, and the use of shielding are umbrella concepts which are always employed in some combinations to achieve a satisfactory degree of worker protection. The reader is referred to the Radiation and Health Physics University of Michigan Web page.

Michael G. Stabin, PhD, CHP

Answer posted on May 16, 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.