Standardization|18/01/16

Update of the standard used to measure radiation exposure

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The recent update of the ISO 15382:2015 standard on “Radiological protection – Procedures for monitoring the dose to the lens of the eye, the skin and the extremities” focuses on achieving accurate measurement of exposure to ionizing radiation for a given situation. It takes into consideration the information derived from the most recent research and makes it possible to improve routine measuring of dosimetry.

According to the chairman of ISO/TC 85/SC2, Alain Rannou, the standard “now covers the medical sector and will help to raise the level of routine monitoring of workers who are most affected by radiation exposure of the extremities and the lens of the eye”.

Ionizing radiation is used in many applications and sectors, in particular for medical diagnosis and radiotherapy, nuclear power, X-ray detection systems in airports, and even geological prospecting. The safety limits with regard to radiation exposure remain a complex issue, because each part of the body reacts differently. For example, the skin must be protected against tissular reactions such as ulceration, while overexposure of the lens of the eye may lead to cataracts.

The complexity of the exposure is also a factor to be considered, because it may concern a specific body region, not to mention other aspects such as superficial radiation.

Preview of the ISO standard

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