Assessing the parameters of electromagnetic fields and microclimate in the radionuclide department of the positron emission tomography centre

Currently, in the Russian Federation there is an increase in the number of positron emission tomography scans. As a result, the collective dose from radionuclide diagnostics in 2021 compared to 2020 increased by 62.0%, the average effective dose per one study in positron emission tomography (PET) centres of Moscow from 2015 to 2019. increased from 1.71 to 4.41 mSv. This leads to an increase in radiation doses not only for patients, but also for medical workers, and makes it urgent to develop modern effective measures to prevent the adverse effects of ionizing radiation.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the parameters of electromagnetic fields and microclimate in the premises of the radionuclide department of the PET centre.

During the study, in the main working areas of the radionuclide department, the following levels were assessed: the strength levels of electric and magnetic fields of industrial frequency, relative humidity, temperature and air speed using generally accepted measures in occupational hygiene.

zThe main parameters of electromagnetic fields and microclimate (temperature, humidity, air speed) comply with hygienic standards in industrial workplaces. At the same time, in certain working areas of the radionuclide department, higher levels of electromagnetic fields were recorded, as well as a decrease in relative humidity and air velocity.

Monitoring the parameters of electromagnetic fields and microclimate is important for improving the working conditions of medical workers in the radionuclide department of the PET centre, which helps maintain the functional state of workers at a high level, increases concentration and accuracy of movements, increases the speed of work manipulations, and reduces the time of contact with radionuclides when administered to patients and thereby reduce the dose load on health workers.

Ethics. The study does not require the opinion of this committee.

Contribution:
Zabroda N.N. — concept and design of the study, collection and processing of material, analysis of the results, writing the text;
Zhernov Y.V. — concept and design of research, formulation of scientific hypotheses;
Zakharova A.V. — definition of the goal, scientific guidance of research, scientific editing;
Matskevich E.I. — interpretation and discussion of the research results.

Funding. The study had no funding.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Received: 27.11.2023 / Accepted: 06.12.2023 / Published: 29.12.2023

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