Technology focused on radiological protection of workers and the public

For the safe use of radiation in Brazil

Radiation doses received by occupationally exposed workers (OEWs) should be limited and practices optimized. This is a legal requirement, established by a national radiation protection standard. It is therefore fundamental to evaluate the doses received by OEWs. The field of dose measurementis called dosimetry.

The Institute of Radioprotection and Dosimetry performs scientific research and technological developments in physical, chemical, biological and mathematical dosimetry to continuously improve the techniques and processes used in dosimetry.

Specific measurements are applied to the dosimetry of external exposures, that is, when the source is external to the individual, or to internal dosimetry, in the case of an intake of radioactive material. The Division of Dosimetry participates in international intercomparisons to maintain the highest technical and scientific standards and also contributes to global advances in radiation dosimetry.

Individual doses can be evaluated for both routine worker exposures and during radiological accidents, when the radiation exposure occurs inadvertently. It is also possible to evaluate the organ dose by patients in radiotherapy treatment,
nuclear medicine or radiodiagnostic exposures.

For the calculation of internal doses received by individuals exposed to ionizing radiation, mathematical models are used that describe the metabolic behaviour of radionuclides incorporated in the human body together with dosimetric models which take into consideration the radiosensitivity of the organs and tissues of the human body. 

The highly qualified professionals in the dosimetry division also participate as instructors of the stricto and lato-sensu graduate programs of the IRD and of the extension courses. The investment in the training of human resources in dosimetry is one ofthe activities of major relevance in this area.

DOSIMETRY LABORATORIES OF THE DOSIMETRY DIVISION

• In vitro bioanalysis
• Dose calculation by numerical simulation
• Aerosol characterization
• OSL dosimetry
• TL dosimetry
• In vivo bioanalysis
• Biological dosimetry
  
  

* The IRD dosimetry team provides dosimetry and consultancy services in the area of individual monitoring for national and international bodies and manages the national database of external occupational doses of the National Nuclear Energy Commission.