Radiation Advisory Committee Annual Report ... - health.vic.gov.au

i
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 1998

RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Melbourne Australia
© State of Victoria 1998
ISSN 1035-7912
This document is also available electronically at:
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/phd/hprot/rsu/98report/index.htm
ii

RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Honourable Rob Knowles, MP
Minister for Health
Dear Minister,
iii
Pursuant to Section 108AK(10) of the Health Act 1958, the Radiation Advisory Committee submits the 1998
Annual Report of the Committee for presentation to Parliament.
Yours faithfully,
B M Tress
(Professor)
Chairman
RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CONTENTS:
THE RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1
PAGE NO.
Composition 4
Responsibilities 7
1. IONIZING RADIATIONS
1.1 RACR Accreditation Guidelines and Quality Assurance Committee 8
1.2 Research on Genomic Instability 8
1.3 Yttrium 90 Guidelines 8
1.4 Radiation Safety Unit Project Reports 8
1.5 Research Involving Radiation Exposure of Human Volunteers 9
and Informed Consent for such Research
1.6 Requirements for Transport of Radioactive Material 9
1.7 Radiotherapy to Prevent Restenosis 9
1.8 Formation of Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) 9
1.9 Standards for CT Scanning Equipment 9
1.10 Use of Image Intensifiers in Theatre, Alfred Hospital 10
1.11 Orthopaedic Surgeon - Request for Extension to Licence 10
1.12 Wemen Mineral Sands Project, RZM 10
1.13 Radon in Underground Caves 10
1.14 National Framework for Radiation Protection and Control 10
1.15 Registration of CT Scanner at Berwick, VIG 10
1.16 Australian Institute of Radiography Concern about Registration of Equipment 11
1.17 Request to Licence Anaesthetist, Dr Harrison, Maryvale Private Hospital 11
1.18 Thyroid Doses to Orthopaedic Surgeons 11
1.19 Licensing of Orthopaedic Registrars, Western Hospital - Sunshine 11
1.20 Request for Licence to Operate Fluoroscan Image Intensifier - Mr David Maruskanic 11
1.21 Request for Licence to Operate Bone Mineral Densitometer - Ms B Mitchell 11
1.22 Proposal for Iodine 125 Treatment of Prostatic Cancer - EMROC 11
1.23 Numbers of Licences and Registrations Issued 11

1.24 Radiation Safety Testing 11
1.25 Training Courses in Radiation Safety 12
1.26 Request for Exemption from Personal Monitoring 12
1.27 Use of Samarium 153 12
1.28 Need for Teleradiology Guideline 12
1.29 Use of Iodine 131 for Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Cats 12
1.30 National Radioactive Waste Repository 12
1.31 CT Scanner Registration Conditions - Swan Hill Hospital 13
1.32 Use of Image Intensifiers by Unlicensed Persons - Royal Melbourne Hospital 13
1.33 Department Store for Obsolete Radioactive Materials 13
1.34 Course on Radiography for General Practitioners 13
1.35 Application for Operator Licence, Ms Paton, Upper Murray Health & Community Services 13
1.36 Request for Examination in Cambodian Language 13
1.37 Application to Operate Image Intensifier, Mr W Straffon, Urologist, Maryvale Private Hospital 13
1.38 Exemption from Licence to Store X-ray Equipment 14
1.39 Application of CT Code to Radiotherapy Treatment Planning CT Scanners 14
1.40 Request for Exemption from Licensing Examination - Mr F Bove 14
1.41 Approval for Rapiscan Secure 1000 14
1.42 Review of Health Act 1958 14
1.43 CT Scanner Installation, Gippsland Diagnostic Services 14
1.44 Radiation-Wise Personal Monitoring Service 14
1.45 Other Matters Considered 14
2. RADIOGRAPHY IN GENERAL PRACTICE
2.1 Introduction 16
2.2 Membership 16
2.3 Issues Discussed by Working Party 16
2.4 Summary of Working Party Discussions 16
3. NON-IONIZING RADIATION
3.1 Papers Considered in the Past 12 Months Related to Biological Effects from Exposure
to Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields 17
2

3.2 Papers Considered in the Past 12 Months Related to Biological Effects from Exposure
to Radiofrequency Radiation 19
3.3 The Committee's View on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields 20
3.4 The Committee's View on the Health Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation 20
3.5 Review of Physiotherapists Act 20
3.6 Review of Need for Non-ionizing Radiation Controls 20
3.7 Radiation Health Committee Statement on Hair Depilation Lasers 20
3.8 Operation of Medical Lasers, Dr Garth Dicker 21
4. RADIATION INCIDENTS
4.1 Damage to a Nuclear Moisture/Density Gauge 22
4.2 Transport Incident - Wards Transport 22
4.3 Industrial Radiography - Employee Enters Radiography Area - Tenix 23
4.4 Disposal of Gas Chromatograph Source - Centre for Forest Tree Technology 23
4.5 Industrial Radiography Incident - Australian NDT Services P/L 23
4.6 Transport Incident - Bresatec P/L 24
4.7 Misadministration of Radiopharmaceuticals - Alfred Hospital 24
4.8 Hair Loss Following Neuroradiology 25
4.9 Iodine 131 Dose to Pregnant Woman - Monash Medical Centre 25
5. APPENDICES
Appendix I: Summary of Doses Measured in Patient Dose Surveys 26
Appendix II: Guidance Dose Levels Recommended for Use in Victoria 28
Appendix III: Research with Human Volunteers -- Projects Approved 29
Appendix IV: (a) Numbers of Operator Licences as at 21 Sep 1998 30
(b) Numbers of Registrations as at 21 Sep 1998 31
(c) Numbers of Management Licences as at 21 Sep 1998 32
Appendix V: Summary of Radiation Safety Testing -- May 1984 to September 1998 33
Appendix VI Summary of Training Courses and Examinations in Radiation Safety 34
Appendix VII: Papers Related to Biological Effects Associated with Power Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields Considered in the Past Year
35
Appendix VIII Summary of Epidemiology Papers (1997-1998) 39
Appendix IX Papers Related to Biological Effects Associated with Radiofrequency
Radiation Considered in the Past Year
39
7. ABBREVIATIONS 40
3

THE RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Radiation Advisory Committee met on 11 occasions from October 1997 to September 1998.
Composition
Members of the Radiation Advisory Committee were: Meetings Attended
Professor Brian M. Tress Chairman 8
Head
Department of Radiology
University of Melbourne
Dr. Keith H. Lokan Member 4
Director (Resigned April 1998)
Australian Radiation Laboratory
Dr. John C.P. Heggie Member 10
Director
Department of Medical Engineering & Physics
St Vincent's Hospital
Dr. Michael J. Kelly Member 9
Director of Nuclear Medicine
Alfred Hospital
4

Mr. Ken Bennetts Member 5
Chief Radiographer
Northern Hospital
Dr. Andrew W. Wood Member
Senior Lecturer in Biophysics
School of Biophysical Sciences and Electrical Engineering
Swinburne University of Technology
Mr. F.P.J.(Rob) Robotham
Radiation Safety Consultant
Dr. Graham J. Rouch
Chief Health Officer
Department of Human Services
Dr Andrew Wirth
Staff Specialist in Radiation Oncology
Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute
5
Member 11
Member 9
Member 6
9

Dr Malcolm Sim Member 3
Senior Lecturer & Head
Unit of Occupational & Environmental Health
Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine
Monash University
Mr Peter Burns Member 3
Head, Scientific Services Section (Appointed 22/5/1998)
Australian Radiation Laboratory
Ms Caroline Isakow Secretary
Radiation Safety Unit
Department of Human Services
6

Responsibilities
7
The Radiation Advisory Committee was established by the Minister for Health under the Health Act 1958 (as amended) to advise the
Minister or the Chief General Manager on any matters relating to the administration of the radiation legislation referred to it by the
Minister or the Chief General Manager including the following:
(a) the promotion of radiation safety procedures and practices;
(b) recommending the criteria for the licensing of persons and the qualifications, training or experience required for
licensing;
(c) recommending the criteria for the registration of radiation apparatus and sealed radioactive sources;
(d) recommending the nature, extent and frequency of periodic safety assessments of radiation apparatus and sealed
radioactive sources;
(e) codes of practice with respect to particular radioactive substances and uses of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation;
and
(f) any matter which the Minister agrees the Committee should consider and report on.

1. IONIZING RADIATIONS
1.1 RACR Accreditation Guidelines and
Quality Assurance Committee
The Committee received copies of the draft Royal
Australasian College of Radiologists (RACR)
Accreditation Guidelines for comment. The Committee
noted that the draft guidelines were at an early stage of
development and welcomed the opportunity to contribute
to those areas of the guidelines which related to radiation
safety. Comments were forwarded to RACR along with
an offer to contribute to further drafts as the guidelines are
developed.
1.2 Research on Genomic Instability
The Committee received an article from New Scientist, 11
Oct 1997 edition which reported on research in the UK
which claims that radiation damages DNA in a new and
unexpected way which has been called genomic
instability. The National Radiation Protection Board of
the UK has refuted the interpretation of the research.
NRPB have stated that there is no proof that genomic
instability leads to cancer or other diseases, no studies that
have shown an association between illness and instability
and there is no hard evidence of any causal mechanisms.
Even if instability causes an increased rate of illness, it
would already be taken into account by existing safety
limits. The Committee will continue to review any further
information on research in this area.
1.3 Yttrium 90 Guidelines
The Committee had previously recommended
establishment of a working party to examine the need for
development of guidelines for the use of yttrium 90 in
radiation synovectomies. It was reported that the working
party:
Dr Michael Kelly (RAC, ANZAPNM)
Mr B van Every (ANZSNM)
Dr J Findeison (ARA)
Dr G Klempfner (RACR)
Mr A Melbourne (RSU)
Ms I Cardillo (RSU)
had now met and considered that there would be value in
producing guidelines. The working party discussed the
various arrangements used for this procedure at different
institutions and the safety and training issues involved.
Work on a draft guideline has commenced. Progress will
be reported to the Committee.
1.4 Radiation Safety Unit Project Reports
The Committee received reports from the Radiation
Safety Unit on a number of patient dose surveys being
conducted. The patient dose projects included surveys of:
1. Paediatric Doses from Diagnostic Radiology
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A draft report on the completed survey was provided for
comment and adoption of the recommended guidance
dose levels.
2. Survey of Fluoroscopic Units in Victoria
A draft of the completed survey was discussed along with
a request for advice from the Radiation Safety Unit on the
need for further data to be collected using dose-area
product meters, and a recommendation to adopt the
guidance levels developed from the survey data. The
Committee agreed to the adoption of the guidance levels
and did not feel that a DAP survey would be
advantageous.
In line with the recommendations of the International
Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the
NHMRC in Australia, the Committee has now approved
the introduction of guidance dose levels for paediatric
radiology, fluoroscopy examinations, adult chest (PA) and
general radiography, neonate chest (AP), chiropractic, and
CT Scanning. The guidance levels have been set at the
third quartile level found in the patient dose studies
referred to above. A summary of the guidance levels
recommended for use in Victoria is presented in Appendix
II along with a summary of the doses measured in this
year’s surveys in Appendix I. Guidance levels are
intended to provide an indication of doses for average
sized patients; to provide guidance on what is achievable
with current good practice, rather than what should be
considered to be optimum performance; to be applied with
flexibility to allow higher exposures if they are indicated
by sound clinical judgement; and to be revised as
technology and techniques are improved. Centres with
doses that are higher than the guidance level are asked to
review their radiography practices in order to reduce the
patient dose to less than the guidance level.
A progress report on a survey in Mammography, and a
final report on Radon in Caves were also presented.
The Committee commended the Radiation Safety Unit on
the high standard of the projects completed and of those in
progress.
The Radiation Safety Unit also presented a proposal for
further research projects to be undertaken. These
included:
Adult Radiography Procedures
General Practitioner Chest Radiography
Interventional Radiology
Thyroid Doses to Orthopaedic and other Surgeons
It was also proposed to produce an information pamphlet
for industrial radiographers, update the ELF public
information document, review the level of compliance
with notification of sales conditions and complete work on
X-ray testing protocols and accreditation of private testers
which was in progress.

The Committee approved the proposed program and noted 1.6 Requirements for Transport of
that there were additional projects being developed for Radioactive Material
consideration on completion of those currently proposed.
A progress report on the general practitioner chest survey
was discussed. A survey had been sent to those general
practitioners approved to take chest X-rays. In view of
the advice resulting from the survey the Committee
recommended that all general practitioners approved for
chest X-rays should be included in the survey even if no
response to the survey had been provided.
1.5 Research Involving Radiation
Exposure of Human Volunteers and
Informed Consent for such Research
During the year the Committee reviewed 30 new or
continuing research projects. Research projects involving
radiation exposure of human volunteers requires approval
from both the institution's Ethics Committee and the
Department of Human Services. Institutions proposing to
undertake such research must provide copies of the
research protocol, patient information sheet, radiation
dose estimate, and evidence of approval by the
institution's Ethics Committee. This information is
reviewed by the Committee before recommendations
approving the research are made.
In a number of cases the Committee requested revised or
more detailed dose estimates or revision to the patient
information sheet statements on risk prior to approving the
research.
The 21 projects approved by the Committee are listed in
Appendix III.
Nine of the 30 projects involved patients, where a
potential direct benefit to the individual would apply. The
Committee was of the view that these projects should be
treated as medical management rather than volunteer
research.
Discussion on a number of the projects raised the issue of
what information on radiation risks should be required to
be included in volunteer/patient information in order to
obtain informed consent. The Committee reviewed a
number of articles on this subject and arranged for Ms
Bebe Loff, Monash Medical School, Epidemiology Unit
to address the Committee. As a result of the discussion
the Committee decided that it needed to develop a
guidance document for ethics committees which provided
advice on the type of information that should be included
in volunteer information sheets for research involving
radiation exposure of humans.
The Committee also received a copy of an NHMRC
Draft Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research
Involving Humans for comment. It was noted that the
document did not contain any reference to research
involving radiation exposure of volunteers. The
Committee recommended that a response to NHMRC
which raised this issue be prepared.
9
The Committee reviewed the arrangements for applicants
to obtain a licence to transport radioactive materials.
Currently applications are individually assessed and a
three hour training course is offered. In light of recent
incidents the need for examination of applicants prior to
issuing a licence was considered. The Committee
recommended that a compulsory training course be
adopted in preference to an examination.
1.7 Radiotherapy to Prevent Restenosis
A letter was received from the Royal Australasian College
of Radiologists advising of the development of techniques
using radiotherapy to prevent restenosis following
angioplasties. Concern was expressed about the potential
radiation safety issues involved and the need for adequate
training of those involved in the technique. Committee
members and Radiation Safety Unit staff will seek further
information on the techniques being used. It was noted
that the techniques were still only used in clinical research
studies subject to ethical controls and review of radiation
doses.
1.8 Formation of Australian Radiation
Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
(ARPANSA)
The Committee received a press release from The Hon.
Trish Worth, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for
Health and Family Services announcing the formation of
ARPANSA a new regulatory agency which will control
the Commonwealth’s radiation and nuclear activities. It
was noted that ARPANSA will also work with the States
and Territories to promote uniform radiation health and
nuclear safety policies and practices for all Australians.
The formation of ARPANSA brings together the
Australian Radiation Laboratory and the Nuclear Safety
Bureau. The Committee welcomed announcement of the
formation of ARPANSA and requested to be kept
informed of progress.
1.9 Standards for CT Scanning
Equipment
The Radiation Safety Unit reported that as a result of the
survey of CT scanning equipment, there was a need to
clarify the requirements of the CT Code of Practice in
relation to 10 year old scanners. The Code requires that
such scanners must produce images of ‘adequate
diagnostic quality’ and meet radiation protection
standards in order to continue operating. A scanner had
been found with a Q-value (a measurement of dose
efficiency and imaging performance parameters) below
average for abdomen scans.

Figure 1. A CT scanner
The Committee recommended that the proposed criteria
for 10 year old scanners be discussed with the Royal
Australasian College of Radiologists, as the College had
been involved in development of the Code. The
Committee felt that a sample of images may need to be
reviewed by a panel of radiologists in addition to
objective measurements. Discussions with the College
have commenced and further advice is being sought
within the Department on the issues raised.
1.10 Use of Image Intensifiers in Theatre,
Alfred Hospital
A request for advice on licensing of persons to operate
image intensifiers in theatre was received from the Alfred
Hospital. The particular concern related to areas where
one radiographer may be rostered to cover three theatres
using image intensifiers. Consideration of licensing
medical specialists and registrars after in-house radiation
safety training was requested, along with a request for
advice on the need for a radiographer when a registrar was
working. The Committee advised that a radiographer
must be present when a registrar was working and that the
proposed training for other medical staff was supported.
1.11 Orthopaedic Surgeon - Request for
Extension to Licence
Mr M Thomas, Orthopaedic Surgeon had previously been
granted a restricted licence to undertake limited
procedures at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Mr Thomas
requested approval for additional procedures using a
different type of image intensifier and at an additional
location, Maryvale Private Hospital. The Committee
sought further advice on the equipment and additional
procedures intended. The Committee recommended that
the licence be extended to allow operation of the
equipment at Maryvale Private Hospital but that the range
of procedures permitted to be undertaken without a
radiographer present not be extended.
1.12 Wemen Mineral Sands Project, RZM
A report was received from the Radiation Safety Unit on
the proposed RZM mineral sand development at Wemen,
near Robinvale. The report requested advice on the need
for RZM to be licensed for the project. The projected
10
doses were extremely low, and appeared to be below the
10 microsievert per year level, above which the material
could be declared radioactive. A draft document prepared
by the Radiation Safety Unit in response to the
Environment Effects Statement on the project was also
reviewed by the Committee. It was agreed that no licence
was necessary, however it was recommended that a
representative of the Radiation Safety Unit be appointed
to the Environmental monitoring Committee, and that the
Unit reserve the option to require RZM to obtain a licence
if measurements conducted in the environmental
monitoring program on site demonstrate higher than
predicted levels of radiation exposure.
1.13 Radon in Underground Caves
The Committee was provided with a research paper by
Radiation Safety Unit officers on radon levels in Buchan
caves. The Radiation Safety Unit also prepared a draft
radiation management plans for both Buchan and Princess
Margaret Rose cave systems and issues of personal
monitoring versus area monitoring as the most appropriate
means of assessing exposure of tour guides were
discussed. It was proposed that consultation with Parks
Victoria, Manager Buchan Caves, Manager Princess
Margaret Rose Caves, and Workcover take place and their
views be incorporated in the management plans. The
Committee asked to be kept informed of the outcome of
these discussions.
1.14 National Framework for Radiation
Protection and Control
The Committee discussed a letter forwarded to the
Minister by The Hon. Trish Worth MP seeking
endorsement of a report recommending the development
of a uniform regulatory framework for the control of
ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The report had been
prepared by Dr J McNulty as consultant, assisted by a
reference group. It had been discussed during preparation
by the national Radiation Protection Panel, of which Mr
Melbourne of the Radiation Safety Unit is a member. The
Committee supported the uniformity process and
requested to be kept informed as it developed further. It
was subsequently noted that a response endorsing the
report but emphasizing matters for consideration, such as
National Competition Policy, had been forwarded.
1.15 Registration of CT Scanner at
Berwick, VIG
The Committee considered a proposal to register a CT
scanner at VIG, Berwick. It was noted that the practice
did not meet the requirements under the Code of Practice
on CT scanning equipment in respect of the clause
requiring that scanners only be installed in comprehensive
practices as defined in the code. In view of the fact that
the proposal did not meet the code the Committee
recommended that registration be refused. VIG
subsequently arranged for an additional imaging modality
to be installed at the practice to meet the code
requirements and the registration was subsequently
approved.

1.16 Australian Institute of Radiography
Concern about Registration of
Equipment
The Committee received a letter from the Honorary
Secretary of the Victorian Branch of the AIR suggesting
that there were deficiencies in the Health Act in relation to
registration requirements and fees, and that the Act does
not specify periods for testing. The Committee noted that
a number of registration fees were reduced in the 1994
review of the Regulations, and that the Act gives power to
the Secretary to set the test periods rather than set periods
in the Act itself. The Committee requested that the
Radiation Safety Unit reply to AIR.
1.17 Request to Licence Anaesthetist, Dr
Harrison, Maryvale Private Hospital
The Committee received a request to licence Dr Grant
Harrison, Anaesthetist to operate an image intensifier at
Maryvale Private Hospital without a radiographer being
present. The request was to assist in orthopaedic
procedures, anaesthetic procedures (location of needle
position in lumbar sympathectomy), and general surgical
procedures. The Committee sought further information on
the need for a licence, number of procedures, training, and
overlapping with surgeons already holding licences. After
considering the response provided the Committee did not
believe that adequate justification had been provided and
recommended that a licence not be issued.
1.18 Thyroid Doses to Orthopaedic
Surgeons
Dr Heggie tabled a letter from the Australian Orthopaedic
Association quoting preliminary research which suggests
that orthopaedic surgeons have a high incidence of thyroid
cancer attributable to radiation exposure. The letter
sought to ensure that appropriate protective devices were
provided for orthopaedic surgeons. The Committee
requested that further information be sought on the
research quoted, and other literature in this area. It was
noted that the Radiation Safety Unit had proposed to
undertake a research project on the thyroid radiation doses
of orthopaedic and other surgeons.
1.19 Licensing of Orthopaedic Registrars,
Western Hospital - Sunshine
A letter was received from Western Hospital Sunshine
requesting approval for orthopaedic registrars to be
licensed to use image intensifier equipment after hours
without a radiographer being present. The hospital did
not wish to have to recall a radiographer to duty or have
the surgeon present for simple procedures after hours.
The Committee noted that registrars were not required to
be licensed but must operate under the supervision of a
licensed person. It was not considered appropriate that
registrars operate equipment without either a radiographer
or licensed surgeon being present. The hospital was
advised that the proposal would not be approved.
11
1.20 Request for Licence to Operate
FluoroScan Image Intensifier - Mr
David Maruskanic
Mr David Maruskanic, Director of Nursing, Sir John
Monash Private Hospital requested approval to operate a
FluoroScan imaging system during a trial period prior to
purchasing. The Committee rejected the proposal by Mr
Maruskanic as he has no radiation safety training. The
Committee recommended that the hospital should hire a
locum radiographer for the trial period.
1.21 Request for Licence to Operate Bone
Mineral Densitometer - Ms B Mitchell
The Committee considered a request to licence Ms B
Mitchell to operate a bone mineral densitometer at RMIT,
Bundoora. Ms Mitchell is a qualified nurse however after
seeking further detail on her background and experience,
the Committee did not consider that Ms Mitchell had
adequate radiation safety knowledge. It was
recommended the a licence not be issued.
1.22 Proposal for Iodine 125 Treatment of
Prostatic Cancer - EMROC
The Committee received a request for approval to use
iodine 125 for the treatment of prostatic cancer, to be
considered separately from a previous joint proposal to
use either iodine 125 or manual afterloading of iridium
192. The Committee approved the proposal subject to
confirmation that the radiation levels outside patients’
rooms would be satisfactory and that standard nuclear
medicine protection techniques would be implemented.
The Committee also recommended that a copy of the seed
loading procedure be submitted to the Radiation Safety
Unit.
1.23 Numbers of Licences and
Registrations Issued
The Committee was provided with data from the
Radiation Safety Unit's computer register of licences and
equipment registrations issued under the Health
(Radiation Safety) Regulations. The details are in
Appendix IV.
1.24 Radiation Safety Testing
A letter was received from Mr Anthony Wallace of Austin
& Repatriation Medical Centre regarding testing of X-ray
equipment in relation to period of testing and potential
conflict with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3551:1996.
The Committee agreed that a letter be sent to Standards
Australia raising issues of concern in AS/NZS 3551:1996.
This Standard deals mainly with electrical safety but
could also be interpreted as covering radiation safety
testing. The concern is that the testing protocol
implemented by the Standard may conflict with radiation
safety regulatory requirements.

A summary of testing of currently registered equipment
appears in Appendix V.
1.25 Training Courses in Radiation Safety
The Committee was advised that in the last 12 months, the
Radiation Safety Unit had been involved in several
radiation safety training courses for various occupational
categories. These included groups involved with the use
of gauges in industry, and nuclear moisture/density gauges
(NMDG). ANSTO Training ran the courses with some
lectures in each being provided by Radiation Safety Unit
staff. The industrial radiography course was run by
RMIT. A summary of the number of courses and
attendees appears as Appendix VI.
Following the industrial radiography training course held
in May/June 1998 a Radiation Protection in Industrial
Radiography examination was held. The Committee had
previously recommended that this examination be passed
by all industrial radiographers and applicants for licences
in the industrial radiography field. People who had not
attended the course were allowed the opportunity to sit the
examination at other times during the year. A total of 7
examinations were held between October 1997 and the
end of September 1998. Further examinations were also
held during the year for people requiring restricted
licences to carry out industrial radiography and for people
operating fixed enclosure X-ray apparatus.
The first examination for operator licensing in the
occupational category of nuclear moisture gauge operator
was held in May 1996. Since that time (up to October
1998), there have been 278 passes from 327 candidatures.
At the time of writing, there were 385 people licensed or
applying for licence on the radiation register.
Approximately 72% of licence holders/applicants have
passed the Victorian examination. Other licensees may
have passed an equivalent examination from interstate and
are therefore exempt from the requirement to pass the
Victorian examination. Details of the examinations held
in 1997/98 and since inception in 1996 are included in
Appendix VI.
1.26 Request for Exemption from Personal
Monitoring
Dr Arnold Shmerling, general practitioner requested
exemption from personal monitoring on the basis of low
workload and low doses recorded over a period of time.
The Committee did not approve the request as it
considered that monitoring was a reminder of the
potentially hazardous nature of X-ray equipment, and also
that the information produced from monitoring in the
event of any exposure incident is likely to be valuable.
1.27 Use of Samarium 153
The Committee noted that Samarium 153 was now being
used in some other States as an alternative to
strontium 89. As guidelines had been developed for
strontium 89 the Committee decided that there was a need
12
to review these guidelines to assess whether a new
guideline was required or whether the strontium 89
guideline could be modified to include appropriate
reference to samarium 153. The Committee requested
that the strontium 89 working party be reconvened to
develop a draft guideline for consideration. Membership
of the working party would be:
Dr M Kelly (RAC, ANZAPNM)
Mr B van Every (ANZSNM)
Dr J Heggie (RAC, ACPSEM)
Dr A Wirth (RAC, RACR- Oncology)
Mr A Melbourne (RSU)
Ms I Cardillo (RSU)
A letter was also received from Dr A Scott, Chairman,
Therapy Sub-committee of RACP indicating that his subcommittee
was also examining this issue. The working
party will liaise with the therapy sub-committee.
1.28 Need for Teleradiology Guideline
The Committee received a draft document on the
guidelines for regulatory control of teleradiology for
comment. The document had been presented to the
national Radiation Health Committee for consideration.
That Committee had made no decision on proceeding with
the draft, however the author was interested in State
feedback on the usefulness of the approach taken. The
Committee supported the need for a uniform approach
around Australia on this issue and supported the concept
that a document on teleradiology would be useful.
1.29 Use of Iodine 131 for Treatment of
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
A request was received from two veterinary centres for
approval to use iodine 131 to treat hyperthyroidism in
cats. The Committee advised that the veterinarians would
need to undertake a short course in radiation safety related
to use of iodine 131 for this purpose. Radiation Safety
Unit held discussions with Mr Ray de Groot, Health
Physics consultant, as a result of which a suitable training
course was developed involving a reading course and
examination, practical experience in a nuclear medicine
department and participation in administrations of iodine
131 to cats. The veterinarians undertook the training and
subsequently had licences approved.
1.30 National Radioactive Waste
Repository
The Committee was provided with the information kit
prepared by the Department of Primary Industry and
Energy on the proposed development of a national
repository for radioactive waste. The information kit
offered opportunity for comment. The Committee
responded strongly supporting the development of a
national radioactive waste repository, commending DPIE
on the thoroughness of the consultative process and
quality and scope of information provided, supported the
choice of the Billa Kalina region in South Australia for
detailed study. The Committee asked for advice on the

intended total capacity of the facility and noted two areas
in the discussion document that will require careful
attention. These were a comprehensive and effective
consultation program with the people in the region, and a
carefully controlled transportation program for the initial
collection of existing waste and loading of the repository.
1.31 CT Scanner Registration Conditions ­
Swan Hill Hospital
Dr Jarvis of Bendigo Radiology wrote requesting a
variation of conditions of registration of the CT scanner at
Swan Hill hospital to allow the scanner to be used for
routine procedures without the radiologist being present.
The CT code allows scanners to be operated without a
radiologist present only in emergency situations where the
radiologist is on the way or is in contact via an
appropriate teleradiology system. The Committee
considered the request but decided that it not be approved
as the code requires a radiologist to be present for
procedures not of an emergency nature.
1.32 Use of Image Intensifiers by
Unlicensed Persons - Royal
Melbourne Hospital
Two cases of use of image intensifier equipment in
operating theatres at the Royal Melbourne Hospital were
reported to the Committee during the year. The first
related to Cardiology and the Second to Orthopaedic
surgery. In both cases the communication system used to
arrange for on-call radiographers to attend had failed and
decisions had been taken to commence the procedures
with no licensed person present. In the initial case the
Committee recommended writing to the Director of
Cardiology. The Committee was satisfied with the action
taken in response. Subsequent to the second case the
Committee recommended that the CEO of the hospital be
advised of the hospital’s responsibility to ensure that
equipment is only operated by licensed people and that
any future instances of unlicensed persons operating
equipment may lead to prosecution.
1.33 Department Store for Obsolete
Radioactive Materials
The Radiation Safety Unit provided a report on the status
and history of the store for obsolete radioactive materials,
which is located in a basement area of Peter MacCallum
Cancer Institute. The type of material in storage is
predominantly sealed sources formerly used in medical,
industrial and consumer applications. These include
radium needles, strontium applicators, iridium wire,
industrial level gauges and thickness gauges, and smoke
detectors. Collection of material has been minimised by a
policy that sources be returned to the supplier at the end
of their useful life wherever possible. The Committee was
satisfied that arrangements for storage of the material
were safe and appropriate. However, the Committee
proposed that a system of review of the store by an
external independent expert be conducted at intervals.
The report of the consultant should be presented to enable
13
the Committee to continue to monitor the store’s
operation.
1.34 Course on Radiography for General
Practitioners
Professor Tress reported that the Radiography for General
Practitioners course which had previously been run by the
University of Melbourne Continuing Medical Education
Unit was to be run this year by the University Radiology
Department. Future operation of the course would be
subject to the deliberations of the working party on
general practice radiography.
1.35 Application for Operator Licence, Ms
Paton, Upper Murray Health &
Community Services
A request was received from the Chief Nursing Executive
Officer of Upper Murray Health & Community Services
to licence a nurse, Ms Helen Paton to operate X-ray
equipment at the hospital. The request arose because all
the general practitioners licensed at Corryong had left the
town and the locum general practitioners did not hold
licences and did not wish to take X-rays. The request was
for simple X-rays only, with more complex cases being
referred to Albury/Wodonga. The nurse had previously
held a licence in Western Australia for simple procedures.
The hospital advised they expected that it could take
several months before permanent general practitioners
could be appointed. The Committee recommended that a
restricted licence be granted for a period of one year, that
a refresher training course be undertaken in
Albury/Wodonga. It would be expected that the licence
not be required when replacement general practitioners
are appointed.
1.36 Request for Examination in
Cambodian Language
A request was received from Nissan Casting Plant for an
employee required to pass an examination to obtain an
industrial radiography licence to have that examination
conducted in Cambodian as his command of English was
poor. The Committee was concerned that some basic
English was required for reading warning signs, labels etc
and that it was not appropriate to set the examination in
Cambodian. It was recommended that the company assist
the employee to attain improved skills in English to assist
in passing the examination.
1.37 Application to operate Image
Intensifier, Mr W Straffon, Urologist,
Maryvale Private Hospital
The Committee considered an application from Mr WGE
Straffon, Urologist to operate an image intensifier at
Maryvale Private Hospital in conjunction with a private
lithotripsy service. The service was not considered to be
an emergency service and consequently procedures could

e scheduled at a time and place where radiography
services were provided. The Committee therefore
recommended that the application be refused.
1.38 Exemption from Licence to Store
X-ray Equipment
The Radiation Safety Unit requested advice on the
requirement that a person must hold a licence to store an
X-ray unit that is not in use. The current computer system
enables monitoring of units in storage and follow up
letters to be easily generated. The addition of a licence in
those few cases where this would be required purely for a
unit in storage does not seem to add any benefit. The
Radiation Safety Unit proposed that the requirement to
hold a licence for these circumstances be abolished by
exemption. The committee recommended that the
proposal be approved and that an appropriate exemption
condition requiring notification of sale, relocation or
intention to use be implemented.
1.39 Application of CT Code to
Radiotherapy Treatment Planning CT
Scanners
The Radiation Safety Unit requested advice as to whether
the CT Code of Practice should be applied to CT scanners
used for radiotherapy treatment planning. The Committee
advised that the Code would need to be applied
particularly in relation to image quality and radiation
safety considerations for 10 year old scanners. Any issues
raised about other clauses of the Code would be
considered on the basis of further information.
1.40 Request for Exemption from
Licensing Examination - Mr F Bove
Mr F Bove, an operator of nuclear moisture/density
meters requested exemption from the requirement to pass
the Department’s radiation safety examination, which is a
pre-requisite to obtain a licence. The Committee
considered Mr Bove’s arguments but decided that he
should not be exempted from passing the examination.
1.41 Approval for Rapiscan Secure 1000
The Committee received a request from A&I Distributors
Pty Ltd for approval of a Rapiscan Secure 1000 for use at
a Victorian prison. The device uses backscatter X-ray
technology to scan people for concealed materials. The
dose is extremely low (about 0.03 microsieverts per scan).
Scanning would not be compulsory but would be offered
as an alternative to a body search. The Committee
requested further information from A&I Distributors.
After consideration of the additional material related to
operator exposure, information to be provided to persons
before they were scanned, and training provided to
operators the Committee recommended that the use of the
equipment be approved subject to provision of
satisfactory information to obtain informed consent being
provided, that the equipment includes a suitable radiation
14
warning label, and that operators are monitored for a
period of at least 6 months to confirm that doses are low.
1.42 Review of Health Act 1958
The Committee met with Mr Tim Lunn, Legislation
Review Team, who sought the Committee’s views on
aspects of the Health Act related to radiation safety. He
advised that a review has been commissioned in
accordance with the Victorian Government’s Timetable
for the Review and Reform of Legislation that Restricts
Competition. In addition, the Public Health &
Development Division has decided to undertake a broader
review of the Act to determine if there are any other ways
in which its operations might be improved.
1.43 CT Scanner Installation, Gippsland
Diagnostic Services
A request was received to approve the installation of a CT
scanner at Gippsland Diagnostic Services, Morwell. The
scanner was to be installed in a building which was
separated from the remainder of the practice by a laneway
which led to the practice car park. The practice included
bone densitometry, ultrasound, general radiography,
fluoroscopy and mammography. It therefore met the
requirements of the CT Code regarding modalities needed
to be classified as a comprehensive practice. A
radiologist was present on site at all times. Clarification
was required as to whether having the CT scanner in a
separate building would still be deemed to meet the
requirements of the Code. The Committee considered that
the practice met the requirements as a comprehensive
practice and recommended that the registration be
approved.
1.44 Radiation-Wise Personal Monitoring
Service
The Committee reviewed a request from Radiation-Wise
for approval under regulation 53 of the Health (Radiation
Safety) Regulations 1994 to operate a personal radiation
monitoring service. Radiation-Wise use the Landauer
laboratory in the USA to undertake the dosimetry. The
service had approvals and accreditations from US
DOELAP, NVLAP, AECB (Canada) H&SE (UK) and
WA Radiological Council. The Committee recommended
that the service be recognised under regulation 53.
1.45 Other Matters Considered
• The Committee discussed a UK article about doses to
family members after iodine 131 treatment. The
article highlighted the fact that in some countries
patient discharge limits were now based on dose
considerations rather than activity remaining in the
patient’s body. It was noted that the Australian
guidelines on discharge of patients from hospital after
treatment with radioactive material were currently
being reviewed.
• The Committee approved the amendment of an
operator licence for a research nutritionist to operate a

one mineral densitometer at University of Melbourne.
Approval had previously been granted to operate at
Deakin Institute of Nutrition.
• The Committee was advised of the outcome of a
previous request for advice from the South Australian
Health Commission regarding endocrinologists
proposing to set up an X-ray facility and employ
radiographers to take spinal X-rays. The SAHC
recommended that all films be read by a radiologist.
This was consistent with the advice provided by the
Committee.
• The Committee was asked by Assoc Professor Seeman
of Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre to give
general agreement to the hiring of either an MIT,
NMT or science graduate to operate a bone mineral
densitometer for scanning all patients, be they
privately referred, research or clinical drug trial
patients. The Committee responded that it would
consider applications on their individual merits. The
actual issuing of an operator licence would depend on
the qualifications and experience of the person
applying. Such a person ideally would be trained in
radiation technology. The Committee also advised
that licences to scan clinical patients have only been
issued to medical radiation technologists and that any
variation to this would require specific consideration.
• The Committee noted an article by Jaworowski on
Beneficial Effects of Radiation and Regulatory
Control. The article discusses evidence for a radiation
hormesis effect at low doses and the implications for
radiation protection regulations. The Committee will
continue to review literature in this area.
• The Committee received information on a proposal to
operate a teleradiology service from Hong Kong. It
was recommended that the proponent discuss the
matter with the Medical Board and Medicare as the
issues raised were outside the area of radiation safety.
• The Committee noted and congratulated one of its
members, Dr Graham Rouch on his receipt of the
Public Service Medal for services to the Public Health
field in the State of Victoria.
• The Committee noted information provided on a Xiscan
Mini C-arm Image Intensifier which is a low dose
machine designed specifically for imaging of the
extremities. The Committee requested further
15
information on a request from Mr Chris Haw,
Orthopaedic Surgeon , to be licensed to operate a
similar FluoroScan mini C-arm image intensifier in his
private rooms.
• The Committee noted the Radiation Safety Unit’s
involvement in a Dental Board hearing into the
practice of Dr M White. Dr White’s registration with
the Dental Board was cancelled. The Committee
recommended that the Radiation Safety Unit seek
advice on appropriate action concerning Dr White’s
operator licence and the unregistered X-ray unit he
owns.
• The Committee considered an application from Ms
Alana Sarah to operate a bone mineral densitometer as
part of research studies being undertaken at Geelong
Hospital. She completed VCE last year and has no
tertiary qualification. The Committee noted that
licences had only been issued in the past to radiation
technologists or to science graduates involved with
research studies. The Committee recommended that
no exception could be made in this case and that the
application should be refused.
• The Committee noted the recommendations of the
Review of Radiotherapy Services, which were
provided for information.
• The Committee noted advice that the Trans-Tasman
Mutual Recognition Arrangement was to start on 1
May 1998 and that its requirements would need to be
taken into account in consideration of future licence
applications.
• The Committee recommended against extending
licences issued to science graduates to operate bone
mineral densitometers for research purposes to allow
their operation for clinical purposes. The Committee
requested that justification for such a change would be
required and that the matter would need to be
discussed with the Medical Radiation Technologists
Board.
• The Committee also recommended that a request for
exemption from personal monitoring of theatre staff at
Coonara Private Hospital be reviewed in 12 months,
although those staff who do not remain in the room
during fluoroscopy need not be monitored.

16
2. RADIOGRAPHY IN GENERAL PRACTICE
2.1 Introduction
During 1996 the Committee established a sub-committee
on general practice radiography. This sub-committee had
representation of RACR, RACGP, AIR, AMA, the
Committee and the Radiation Safety Unit. The subcommittee
identified issues on training of general
practitioners for radiography, and as a result of this the
Committee formed a working party to examine training
issues and maintain an ongoing forum for communication.
2.2 Membership
Members of the working party were nominated by the
RACGP, AMA, RACR, along with representatives of the
Committee and the Department. The RACGP and RACR
were also asked to nominate an additional person to
represent rural general practitioners and radiologists
respectively. The members were:
(Chair) Professor Brian Tress RAC
Dr Michael Martin RACR
Dr Graeme Buirski RACR
(rural)
Dr Jack Lipp RACGP
Dr Jon Barrell RACGP
(rural)
Dr Peter Graham AMA
Mr John Lavan AIR
Dr Graham Rouch RAC
Mr Alan Melbourne RSU
2.3 Issues Discussed by Working Party
The working party held one meeting in November 1997
with Dr Barrell and Dr Buirski present via
videoconferencing from Ballarat, and Dr Graham via
teleconferencing from Cohuna. Dr Martin was unable to
attend. Discussion centred around the current University
of Melbourne course, and in particular, the objectives of
the course, syllabus of the course, and options for
different ways to present the course to make it more
accessible to general practitioners. There was also
discussion on options for the extended course which
would provide additional training for rural general
practitioners. The particular issues related to the duration
and cost of the course and whether it could be presented at
regional locations in full or in part so that rural general
practitioners would have better chance to attend.
2.4 Summary of Working Party
Discussions
A summary of the meeting was presented to the
Committee. The working party agreed that a position
paper be prepared examining options for presentation of
the course. It was intended that this paper would
ultimately be circulated to the Colleges to obtain their
agreement prior to adoption.

3. NON-IONIZING RADIATION
3.1 Papers Considered in the Past 12
Months Related to Biological Effects
from Exposure to Power Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields
The attention of the Committee was directed to the
question of possible health effects associated with
exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields.
The Meta-Analysis Project Advisory Group in its report
submitted to the Minister for Health in December 1988
recommended that the Minister for Health commission
and publish each year for at least the next five years a
report summarising studies in the literature within the
previous year on the effects on human health of exposure
to non-ionizing radiation at or near the powerline
frequency.
In addition, the report of the Panel on Electromagnetic
Figure 2. High Tension Powerlines
Fields and Health, commissioned by the Minister for
Health, was released by the Minister in September 1992.
One recommendation in the Minister's response to the
report was that the newly appointed Radiation Advisory
Committee continue to monitor, and produce regular
updates, on the medical and scientific literature on
possible health effects from power frequency
electromagnetic fields.
A list of papers considered by the Committee in the past
12 months is presented in Appendix VII.
Cell Studies
Efforts continue to identify short-term changes in cellular
metabolism that might indicate a link to long-term adverse
effects. Dibirdik et al. present evidence that exposure of
lymphoma B-cells to 0.1 mT magnetic fields leads to
activation of a specific type of phospholipase C. This is
interpreted as field stimulation of a particular gene.
However, similarly designed experiments performed by
other groups in the past have yielded no effect. Of interest
(in relation to the melatonin hypothesis) is the finding of
17
Rosen, Barber & Lyle of a 46% average reduction in the
production of this hormone by isolated pineal cells
exposed to fields of 0.05 mT magnitude. The melatonin
hypothesis is that reductions in melatonin levels
previously reported in in-vivo experiments are linked to
increased susceptibility to cancer, although this link has
not been substantiated.
Animal Studies
Following the publication of the Australian study of the
exposure of transgenic mice to mobile phone radiation,
the companion study, using power frequency (50 Hz)
magnetic fields, was published during the year. In contrast
to the former study, the latter (Harris et al.) showed no
statistical difference in lymphoma rate between exposed
and sham-exposed groups, although there was a
significant difference in transgene-related renal disease
between the 1 mT continuous exposure group and control,
but not between the 1 mT pulsed exposure group and
control.
In a Swedish study (Ekstrom, Mild & Holmberg,) on rats
in which mammary tumours were induced by a chemical
agent dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), exposure to
0.25 and 0.5 mT 50 Hz continuous magnetic fields, no
significant differences were obtained either for the number
of animals with tumours or the number of tumours per
animal.
In a Finnish study (Kumlin, Kosma et al.) skin cancers
were induced in mice by exposure to ultraviolet radiation
with or without 50 Hz 0.1 mT magnetic field. Both normal
mice and mice genetically engineered to overproduce the
enzyme ornithine decarboxylase were studied, the latter
showing a statistically significant increase in the rate of
development of cysts. On the other hand, both transgenic
and non-transgenic mice showed a significant increase in
the number of animals with tumours with magnetic field
exposure.
On the other hand neither Mandeville, Franco et al. nor
Yasui, Kikuchi et al. found any significant changes in a
number of cancer-related endpoints in studies of groups of
rats exposed for up to 2 years at a variety of field levels
up to 5 mT.
Two studies have examined effects of power frequency
magnetic fields on spatial learning capabilities of
experimental animals, both finding reductions in
performance (Lai, Carino & Ushijima; Sienkiewicz,
Haylock & Saunders; 1 mT and 0.75 mT respectively).
Zecca, Mantegazza et al. report some changes in opioid
receptors and pineal responses in brains of rats exposed to
EMF for 8 months, with some inconsistency. Reiter, Tan
et al. have found reductions in serum melatonin in rats
exposed to effectively a 1 Hz square wave, but these
reductions were also inconsistent. In human volunteers
Wood, Armstrong et al. showed evidence for a delay in
melatonin onset time of about 30 minutes following
exposure to 0.028 mT fields.

Sastre, Cook et al. studied heart rate variability in human
volunteers exposed overnight to a 0.028 mT magnetic
field. Spectral analysis of beat-to-beat variation showed a
significant drop in the ratio of low frequency to high
frequency components during exposure, changes similar
to those observed in a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
Epidemiology
The Non-Ionizing Radiation Sub-Committee of the RAC
(since disbanded) reviewed eight major epidemiological
studies in May 1993. A copy of this review is included as
Appendix IV in the annual report of the RAC for the year
ending September 1993. These studies were better
designed and coordinated than previous studies and
sought to redress the weaknesses inherent in them.
The RAC has subsequently reviewed the important
epidemiological studies over the past year and a copy of
the results are included as Appendix VIII of this report.
Once again these studies have been well designed and
coordinated. However, they still suffer from the ongoing
problems of possible confounding and bias, control
selection, and the fact that the exposure assessment, whilst
improved, is still imperfect. It is important that these
problems are thoroughly addressed, particularly exposure
assessment, before epidemiologic research in this area will
be able to produce more meaningful results.
In summary, one of the continuing problems with regard
to epidemiologic research in this area is that, because of
the generally low odds ratios obtained (of the order of 2),
it is quite possible that the results obtained are due to the
problems mentioned above. Thus it is still not possible to
conclude that exposure to power frequency electric and
magnetic fields contributes to chronic health effects such
as cancer.
Dosimetry
International research is continuing to attempt to quantify
trends of domestic and occupational exposure to power
frequency magnetic fields. This information can be used
in epidemiological studies of possible health effects
associated with the magnetic fields. Debate has continued
over what would be the most appropriate type of magnetic
field measurement to make as an indicator of putative risk
in relation to cancer incidence.
International research is continuing to attempt to quantify
trends of domestic and occupational exposure to power
frequency magnetic fields.
This information can be used in epidemiological studies
of possible health effects associated with the magnetic
fields. Debate has continued over what would be the most
appropriate type of magnetic field measurement to make
as an indicator of putative risk in relation to cancer
incidence. Wenzl, for example, has measured the
magnetic field exposure of rail maintenance workers in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the trains are operated
by 25 Hz electric power. He found that the workers were
exposed to magnetic fields at a number of different
18
frequencies, illustrating the difficulty regarding the choice
of exposure metric. Nevertheless he concludes that
magnetic field exposures for these rail maintenance
workers are somewhat elevated compared with those of
other workers.
Skotte and Hjolland found that welders and other metal
workers are also exposed to high magnetic fields, with the
average exposure for manual metal arc welding being 21.2
µT and for MIG/MAG welding being 2.3 µT. This may
be compared with the average exposure of Victorian
office workers of about 0.16 µT, as obtained from the
survey of office workers carried out by the Radiation
Safety Unit and reported on in last year's Annual Report.
Reviews and Editorials
In 1992, the US Congress mandated a Program in the
Energy Policy Act to both sponsor high-quality research
into health effects of power frequency magnetic fields and
to collect and evaluate information for a final report. This
report, from the Director of the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, is due to be submitted to
Congress in late 1998. As a prelude to this a lengthy and
wide-ranging process drawing together world-wide
scientific opinion and comment from the general public is
nearing completion. Recently a NIEHS multi-disciplinary
Working Group of 29 scientists met to consider the
outcomes of earlier Review Symposia and to produce a
report (Portier & Wolfe). This group determined its
position on a number of issues by a simple voting
procedure. The most controversial outcome was a vote of
19 to 9 (with one abstention) that EMF should be
considered a ‘possible human carcinogen’. This was
based on considerations of epidemiological evidence for
childhood leukaemia and adult chronic lymphocytic
leukaemia from occupational exposure. The group found
inadequate evidence for other diseases or other cancers.
On the other hand, the majority (19 members) voted in
favour of the statement that 'there is inadequate evidence
from experimental animals for carcinogenicity' and 8 in
favour of the stronger 'lack' of carcinogenicity.
International Guidelines
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) published guidelines for limiting
exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic and
electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) in April 1998.
The reference levels for occupational exposure in the
above guidelines are virtually the same as the maximum
exposure levels in the Interim Australian/New Zealand
Standard AS/NZS 2772.1 (Int): 1998 up to 400 MHz. For
frequencies higher than 400 MHz, however, AS/NZS
2772.1 is more stringent in that, in the ICNIRP guidelines,
the reference level increases from 400 to 2000 MHz,
beyond which it is constant up to 300 GHz: 137 V/m for
the E field and 0.36 A/m for the H field as compared to 61
V/m and 0.16 A/m in AS/NZS 2772.1.

The same holds for non-occupational exposure. For the
range 2000 MHz to 300 GHz in this case the limits are 61
V/m for the E field and 0.16 A/m for the H field in the
ICNIRP guidelines as compared to 27.5 V/m and 0.073
A/m in AS/NZS 2772.1.
It should be noted that the ICNIRP guidelines apply down
to zero Hz. The reference level at 50 Hz is 500 T for the
B field and 10 kV/m for the E field for occupational
exposure and 100 T and 5 kV/m for non-occupational
exposure, the same as in the ICNIRP Interim guidelines
on limits of exposure to 50/60 Hz electric and magnetic
fields.
Other
Wartenberg; Stevens; and Neutra criticised the study of
Linet et al (N Engl J Med 1997; 337: 1- 7). In response to
Wartenberg, Linet et al stated that they did not dismiss the
odds ratio with the cut off point for low/high exposure of
0.3 µT but rather they tended to discount the increase in
risk because of the post hoc nature of the analysis, the
inconsistent dose response pattern (markedly increased
risk level at a level of 0.4 to 0.499 µT but no increased
risk level at a level of 0.5µT or higher), the absence of a
significant trend, and the small number of exposed
children. Again in response to Wartenberg they
responded that, although socioeconomic status (SES) bias
would tend to inflate their risk estimates, they did adjust
for SES.
Responding to Stevens they stated that none of the
matched analyses for certain exposure levels were
highlighted in their paper because they did not show a
significantly increased risk.
Neutra's assertion of the similarity between the study of
Linet et al and that of Feychting and Ahlbom (Am J
Epidemiol 1993;138: 467-481) drew the comment from
Linet et al that parallels drawn between the Swedish
estimates (of magnetic field exposure) and our
measurements are of uncertain relevance.
3.2 Papers Considered in the Past 12
Months Related to Biological Effects
from Exposure to Radiofrequency
Radiation
Possible health effects of emissions from mobile phones
has continued to dominate research into biological effects
of radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The Federal Health &
Family Services Department announced three
Electromagnetic Energy Research Grants totalling
$215,000 for research projects on mobile phone safety,
one an epidemiological study on tumours of the head, the
second, effects on DNA and the third on users' memory,
concentration or problem-solving abilities.
Earlier studies had suggested that non-thermal levels of
RFR at microwave oven frequency could induce damage
to DNA. In a replication study published during the year,
19
Malyapa, Ahern et al. were unable to demonstrate any
significant damage to DNA either with this form of RFR
or that associated with mobile phone emissions (see
second paper by same authors). In these studies the
sensitivity of the assay was estimated by comparison with
DNA damage from low-level ionizing radiation.
In two related studies (French, Donnellan & McKenzie;
and Donnellan, McKenzie & French) cultured cells were
exposed to unmodulated 835 MHz. The first describes
significant flattening of shape at both 2W and 10W power
levels in astrocytes, the second. The second, using RBL­
2H3 cells, shows an appearance of actin in 'ruffles' in
exposed cells, a greater secretion (of β-hexosaminidase)
and a slower rate of proliferation. It has been suggested
that these are thermal effects: cells are not temperature
controlled whilst in exposure system (which is a 1 m cube
aluminium box) and exposed cells are 0.8°C higher than
controls.
In human studies, Mann, Wagner et al. showed that
mobile phone emissions had no effect on neuroendocrine
parameters such as melatonin and growth hormone, but a
slight transient elevation in the hormone cortisol. In a
related report, Wagner, Röschke et al. were unable to
replicate an earlier finding by the same group of
suppression of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Similarly, de Seze, Fabbro-Peray & Miro showed no
changes in pituitary hormone secretion following
exposure to mobile phone emissions 2 hr/day for 1 month.
Figure 3. Cellular mobile phone base station
There was, however, a significant reduction in thyrotropin
during the period of exposure, followed by a rebound in
the weeks following cessation of exposure.
In a letter to the editor of the Medical Journal of
Australia, Davidson presented data which he interpreted
as an increase in brain tumour incidence in the years
following the introduction of analogue mobile phones in
Australia, followed by a fall after digital phones were
introduced. Others have pointed out an assumption of zero
latent period between exposure and diagnosis of brain
cancer is inappropriate. McKenzie, Yin & Morrell have
re-analysed data on childhood leukaemia in relation to
proximity to TV broadcast towers in Sydney and have
concluded that since different locations recording similar
RF radiation exposures have leukaemia incidences
differing by almost three times it is unlikely that RFR is a
causative factor. In fact, if data from one of the 16 local

government areas is excluded the association of
leukaemia incidence with RFR exposure disappears.
The question of mobile phone power absorption in the
heads of children has been studied by Shönborn,
Burkhardt & Kuster, who showed that if model phantoms
based on realistic anatomy are used, there are no
significant differences in absorption patterns between
adults and children as young as 3 years.
References for the papers considered are listed in
Appendix IX.
3.3 The Committee’s View on the Health
Effects of Electromagnetic Fields
The additional evidence concerning health effects of
electromagnetic fields reviewed by the Committee during
the past year has not been sufficiently compelling to alter
the Committee’s position concerning the issue. This is
that, overall, there is insufficient evidence to come to a
firm conclusion regarding possible health effects from
exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields.
At this point in time (September 30) the final report for
the US Congress from the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences has not been finalised. It
would therefore be premature to take the Working Group's
categorisation of EMF as a 'possible carcinogen' as a
definitive and conclusive statement, particularly in view of
the insufficiency or lack of evidence from animal
experiments. There are still at least two major
epidemiological studies (from Canada & UK) to be
published and these should form part of any summative
evaluation.
3.4 The Committee’s View on the Health
Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation
The Committee considers that there is no substantive
evidence to suggest that exposure to radiofrequency
radiation can increase the risk of chronic health effects
such as cancer. It has, however, noted the extent of public
concern over the issue, particularly in view of the current
controversy over mobile phones and base transmitters,
and will continue to review the relevant research literature
and, in particular, will monitor the progress of the projects
supported by the Electromagnetic Energy Research
Grants.
3.5 Review of Physiotherapists Act
The Committee met with Anne-Louise Carlton, Project
Officer, Health Care Evaluation Section regarding the
review of the Physiotherapists Act. Consideration was
being given to whether there were radiation safety issues
in the controls the Act currently places on the use of
devices such as short wave diathermy machines,
microwave diathermy machines, ultrasonic machines,
laser machines, ultra violet machines and interferential
20
machines. After discussion on the various types of
equipment it was agreed that if non-ionizing radiation
equipment was to be regulated it would best be achieved
under the radiation safety provisions of the Health Act
rather than under the Physiotherapists Act. Ms Carlton
would convey this in the review report.
3.6 Review of Need for Non-ionizing
Radiation Controls
As a result of discussion on the Physiotherapists Act the
Committee requested advice on the controls in other
States on non-ionizing radiation, and the available powers
under the Health Act. It was noted that Western Australia
and Tasmania currently have regulations governing nonionizing
radiation, but other States do not. Some States,
like Victoria have the power in their Act to regulate but
have not done so. The Committee requested that the
Radiation Safety Unit prepare a document reviewing the
need for controls over non-ionizing radiation, including
summarising the approaches taken elsewhere, whether
there have been reports of injuries or accidents with nonionizing
radiation equipment, what Standards for emission
or exposure exist, and any relevant national or
international recommendations.
3.7 Radiation Health Committee
Statement on Hair Depilation Lasers
The Committee noted that the national Radiation Health
Committee had made a statement on the use of high
powered lasers for hair depilation at its meeting on 9
October 1997. The Radiation Health Committee said:
A new technique using Class 4 lasers is currently being
used in Australia for hair depilation. Given the growth in
this application of medical lasers, the Radiation Health
Committee agreed that policy guidance was required on
this issue. To provide interim guidance, pending further
consultation and review, the national Radiation Health
Committee recommends that radiation control authorities
restrict the use of Class 4 lasers for hair depilation to
medical practitioners who have received training in
medical laser techniques and safety appropriate to this
application.
The Committee noted that there were no regulations on
laser safety under the Health Act, however it supported
the radiation Health Committee statement and
recommended that it be taken into account in the review
on non-ionizing radiation controls.
The Committee also recommended that Thermolase
Australia/NZ Pty Ltd, the supplier of a hair depilation
laser on which the Committee had been provided
information be advised of the Radiation Health
Committee Statement.

3.8 Operation of Medical Lasers, Dr
Garth Dicker
A letter was received from Dr Garth Dicker expressing his
concern about the use of Class 3 and 4 lasers in medicine.
His concern had been raised by the recent introduction of
new class 4 lasers for hair depilation. In particular, the
issue of non-medical staff being employed to operate
lasers in medical clinics concerned Dr Dicker. He
21
believed that a licensing system similar to that in Western
Australia was necessary to ensure adequate control. The
Committee noted Dr Dicker’s comments and requested
that they be taken into account in the review of the need
for non-ionizing radiation controls that is to be undertaken
by the Radiation Safety Unit.

4. RADIATION INCIDENTS
4.1 Damage to a Nuclear
Moisture/Density Gauge
The Committee was advised that the Radiation Safety
Unit had responded to a report by AS James Pty Ltd on
the afternoon of 1 June 1998 advising that a Troxler
nuclear moisture/density gauge had been run over by a
truck. The incident occurred at roadworks north of
Gisborne.
Radiation Safety Unit officers attended the scene where
the operator had roped off an area of a few metres around
the gauge. He advised us that a large earth moving truck
(see figure 4) had reversed over the gauge as he was about
to carry out measurements with the gauge. He looked up
and saw the truck approaching and moved out of the way
in order to avoid injury to himself.
The Troxler gauge involved, model 3440 has a 296 MBq
(8 mCi) Cs-137 source on a moveable source rod which is
lowered into the ground for density measurements and a
1.48 GBq (40 mCi) Am-241/Be neutron source in the
body of the gauge for soil moisture content measurements.
Figure 4. Truck which Ran Over Gauge
At the time of the incident, the source rod was about
23 cm in the ground. As a result of being run over by the
truck the gauge was badly crushed and the Cs-137 source
rod was badly bent (see figure 5).
The source rod was placed in a lead pot after noting that
the source encapsulation appeared to be intact. The
Am-241/Be source also appeared to be intact. The dose
rate on the outside of the lead pot was about 300 Sv/h
and the gamma dose rate on the surface of the Am-241/Be
source was about 30 Sv/h.
Earth was loosened to a depth exceeding that of the source
rod’s penetration and monitored for possible
contamination. Readings of the contamination monitor
were not distinguishable from background. The wheel of
the truck involved was also checked with a contamination
monitor with the same result.
22
Figure 5. The Damaged Gauge
The damaged gauge was transported for interim storage in
the Unit’s radioactive waste store. Prior to this a wipe test
was carried out on both sources. The results of the wipe
tests indicated that there was no leakage of radioactive
material.
AS James were to arrange for return of the sources to the
supplier for disposal.
The Committee was satisfied that no further action was
required.
4.2 Transport Incident - Wards
Transport
The Radiation Safety Unit responded to a pager message
at 1:53am on 13 October 1997 from Fire Services at
Melbourne Airport. Two packages of a consignment of
23 packages signed over to Wards Transport had been
found in a gutter in East St at the airport by a Qantas pilot.
One of the packages was damaged and the external
surface was wet. It appears that the package had blown
off the landing bay and lodged between the van and the
dock.
The driver had been notified and had subsequently
returned and collected the packages. Wards were
Figure 6. Internal View of Package
requested to isolate the van and to ensure that the driver
remained until RSU staff arrived. The package contained

54.5 MBq of P-32. The package was examined and the
inner containment was not damaged. There was no
leakage of radioactive material. The package was
subsequently repaired and forwarded to the consignee.
The Committee was concerned that the driver had
Figure 7. Damage to Exterior of Package
returned and handled a damaged, wet package without
being aware of whether there was leakage of radioactive
material. Wards Transport were advised to ensure that
drivers were instructed on appropriate action in the event
of an incident.
4.3 Industrial Radiography - Employee
Enters Radiography Area - Tenix
A report was received of an incident at Tenix Defence
Systems Pty Ltd, wherein an engineer had entered a
radiography area while industrial radiography was in
progress. He had deliberately crossed a barrier rope,
walked past a radiography warning sign and had been in
the area for 30-90 seconds. The radiography site was
within the hull structure of a ship under construction.
When the operators became aware of the engineer’s
presence the exposure was stopped. The incident was
reported to the Radiation Safety Unit immediately. The
dose to the engineer was estimated to be about 30 µSv.
The Committee recommended that the management of
Tenix Defence Systems be instructed to ensure that all
staff take heed of safety signs and barriers and not enter
radiography areas while work is in progress.
4.4 Disposal of Gas Chromatograph
Source - Centre for Forest Tree
Technology
The Committee received a report from the Radiation
Safety Unit that the Centre for Forest Tree Technology
(part of the Department of Natural Resources and
Environment) had advised that a gas chromatograph
source of 296 MBq of nickel 63 had inadvertently been
disposed of to municipal landfill when the obsolete
equipment it was housed in failed to be sold by public
tender. The incident had only been reported after a follow
up by the Radiation Safety Unit on failure to renew a
registration. The Committee noted that the there was
negligible radiation danger from a gas chromatograph
source but that the incident should have been reported to
23
the Radiation Safety Unit forthwith. The Committee
recommended that DNRE be reprimanded over the failure
to account for the source and that all users of gas
chromatographs be notified of the need to ensure that
sources are not left in equipment for disposal.
4.5 Industrial Radiography Incident ­
Australian NDT Services P/L
It was reported to the Committee that an incident occurred
during industrial radiography procedures on Tuesday
23 December 1997 at Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe.
The incident resulted in apparent radiation doses above
the annual limit to the licensed operator, Mr Kevin
Poulter, and Mr Bradley Mobbs, the radiography
assistant. The incident was brought to the attention of the
Department by management of Australian NDT Services
P/L, their employer, on Tuesday 6 January 1998.
During industrial radiography Mr Poulter was allegedly
not using personal radiation monitoring devices, namely a
thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) and a pocket beeper.
He also allegedly did not use the radiation survey meter
at the site to ensure that the radioactive source had been
returned to the shielded position at the completion of each
exposure. It would appear that the source was not
correctly attached to the exposure cable at the
commencement of procedures and as such was not
returning to the shielded container at the end of each
exposure. As Mr Poulter was allegedly not using the
radiation survey meter correctly it was not discovered that
the radioactive source had been out of the shielded
container since the first exposure until an attempt was
made to lock the container at the end of the day. As the
container would not lock Mr Poulter used the survey
Figure 8. Area where radiography took place
meter and discovered that the source was not in the
shielded container. He then retrieved the source by
re-attaching it and returning it to the shielded container.
The operators’ TLD badges were submitted for
assessment and the radiation dose report form from the
Australian Radiation Laboratory showed a dose of
52600 Sv for Mr Mobbs and a dose of 330 Sv for
Mr Poulter. Mr Poulter was allegedly not wearing his
TLD badge during radiography on that day. It was
estimated that the actual dose he would have received

would have been similar to the dose received by
Mr Mobbs. It may have even been higher as he was
nearer to the source while changing films between
exposures.
The Radiation Safety Unit had required that the industrial
radiography equipment used during the incident be
inspected by an independent expert. This showed that the
equipment had been modified. This may have resulted in
the failure of the safety mechanism which allowed the
equipment to be assembled without the source pigtail
being properly connected to the cable.
The Company was instructed to arrange for lymphocyte
counts and chromosome aberration blood tests for the two
operators. The latter tests were carried out by the
National Radiological Protection Board, UK (the tests are
not done in Australia). The results were not conclusive.
The Committee advised that Mr Poulter’s operator licence
not be automatically renewed. Mr Poulter’s operator
licence expired on 27 February 1998 and was not
renewed. Mr Poulter was advised that he would need to
pass the Victorian radiation safety licensing examination
and satisfactorily undergo a practical assessment of his
radiation safety knowledge prior to obtaining a new
licence. (Mr Poulter had previously been exempted from
passing the Victorian examination on the basis of his pass
in the WA licensing examination).
The Committee advised that legal advice be sought
regarding this incident.
4.6 Transport Incident - Bresatec P/L
On 30 January 1998 the Radiation Safety Unit was
advised by Ansett Air Express that a plastic cylinder with
the radiation symbol had been found in one of their freight
handling trolleys. There was no outer packaging or
shipment information with the container. RSU officers
collected the container from Australian Air Express. The
container was embossed with the word Bresatec as well as
having a label indicating that the material was P-32 (1
mCi or 37 MBq). Subsequent investigation indicated that
Bresatec was a South Australian supplier of radio-labelled
materials. Bresatec was contacted and indicated that they
were aware of a missing shipment intended for Baker
Institute in Melbourne. The outer package had been
delivered to Baker Institute punctured and without the
contents.
During the discussion with Bresatec, it was indicated that
the outer container was a cardboard box with a cardboard
insert which held the container in position. Transports
were forwarded as excepted packages with no outer
labelling and were not declared as dangerous goods
The outer package was subsequently collected by RSU
officers. The container was only damaged on the bottom
as if it may have occurred during packing. It is also
possible that it could have been damaged by catching on
the wire sides of the freight trolley.
It should also be noted that the limit for an excepted
package of P-32 is 30 MBq so that the transport should
not have been as an unlabelled excepted package.
24
The SAHC Radiation Protection Branch was advised of
the incident and arranged for officers to inspect Bresatec.
SAHC subsequently advised that :
Bresatec had only been using the new packing in 1998.
They were now having a consultant look at the packaging.
Figure 9. Showing Damage to Base of Package
Other type of packaging- styrene- probably still should be
reinforced.
That the labelling of package was substandard as it was
not an excepted package.
The incident involved inadequate packaging of a shipment
which was also inappropriately labelled. The Committee
Figure 10. Showing vial in package
noted that as the package originated from SA
consideration of further action should be handled by
SAHC.
Bresatec subsequently wrote requesting approval for all of
their transports to be treated as excepted packages. This
request was refused as there is no provision to vary
requirements which are an adoption of international
transport regulations.
4.7 Misadministration of
Radiopharmaceuticals - Alfred
Hospital
Two reports were received from the Alfred Hospital about
incidents where patients had been injected with incorrect
radiopharmaceuticals. In the first case, a patient was
inadvertently injected with 880 MBq of Tc-99m labelled
Medronate (a bone scanning agent) instead of 400 MBq of

Tc-99m MAG3 (renal scanning agent). The previous
patient’s bone flow injection had been postponed at the
last minute. The nuclear medicine registrar came into the
room to administer the renal agent but picked up the bone
scanning agent injection by mistake. The mistake was
realised immediately and the patient was advised of the
error and of the small dose the male 70 year old had
received. The following precautions were instigated to
avoid a repeat of this type of incident:
(a) If a session is cancelled then the radiopharmaceutical
must be returned to the warm lab for storage before the
next patient can be brought in for treatment.
(b) Only one injection dose can be left on the trolley.
(c) The registrars have been reminded to recheck the
radiopharmaceutical at the time of injection.
In the second case, a patient was referred for a bone scan
on 3 August 1998. The consultant and registrar went to
the ward but the patient was not available at that time.
The registrar returned to the ward later, identified the
patient and injected the patient. It was later discovered to
be the incorrect patient. The patient had the same
surname as indicated on the referral. The error occurred
due to a new registrar’s failure to follow the identification
procedures outlined in the Department’s procedure
manual. The consultant has since reviewed correct patient
identification procedures with the registrar and will ensure
supervision until a satisfactory standard can be
demonstrated. Also, direct supervision will be given to all
new medical registrars for procedures relating to patient
identification at presentation and immediately prior to
injection of a radiopharmaceutical.
The Committee noted the reports and considered that the
action taken to prevent recurrence was appropriate.
4.8 Hair Loss following Neuroradiology
Monash Medical Centre reported three cases of hair loss
over a period of about one year, following neuroradiology
procedures. All the patients had been diagnosed with
cerebral aneurysms and had undergone platinum
detachable coil insertion under angiographic control. The
threshold for temporary hair loss is 3 Gy.
The Committee reviewed these incidents in some detail
and confirmed that the benefits of the procedure
outweighed the risk of hair loss. The cost of not
undergoing the procedure is a very high probability of
death of the patient.
The Committee requested that advice of the incidents be
forwarded to the national Radiation Health Committee.
The Committee also requested that an information circular
be developed, giving advice on dose reduction techniques
for such procedures.
4.9 Iodine 131 dose to Pregnant Woman -
Monash Medical Centre
A report was received that a woman had received a dose
of 150 MBq of I-131 and one week later had given a
positive pregnancy test. The dose was given following a
25
thyroidectomy to determine if any thyroid tissue was
missed, and so that uptake can be measured and
metastases identified. This information is used to choose
the most appropriate therapeutic dose of iodine-131 for
ablating the remaining thyroid tissue and the metastases.
The pregnancy test was carried out prior to the proposed
therapy dose. When this test was positive the therapy
dose was not administered. The Committee had concerns
about the protocol for such procedures and recommended
that the Radiation Safety Unit develop an information
circular on this issue.

APPENDIX I
SUMMARY OF DOSES MEASURED IN PATIENT DOSE SURVEYS
Skin entrance dose rate (in air) in mGy/min. to various phantoms from mobile image intensifiers.
The dose rates are at 300 mm from the image receptor plane.
Phantom min. 1st median 3rd max. mean
quartile
quartile
15 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al 5 9 11 15 45 14
20 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al 8 15 21 29 45 22
Maximum entrance exposure rate 8 27 38 43 58 35
Skin entrance dose rate (in air) in mGy/min. to various phantoms from fixed fluoroscopy equipment.
The dose rates are at the table top.
Phantom min. 1st median 3rd max. mean
quartile
quartile
15 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al 4 12 19 22 116 21
15 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al, 1.6 mm Cu 9 25 48 62 117 47
20 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al 6 21 35 42 116 35
20 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al, 1.6 mm Cu 12 40 49 75 117 57
Maximum entrance exposure rate 22 47 66 87 150 67
Skin entrance dose (in air) in mGy from spot film radiography from fixed fluoroscopy equipment
Phantom min. 1st median 3rd max. mean
quartile
quartile
20 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al 1.5 2.1 3.2 4.6 9.9 3.8
20 cm perspex, 4.5 mm Al, 1.6 mm Cu 3.6 8.0 12.7 15.7 50 13.4
26
Distribution of skin entrance doses in air (µGy) for 1 year old children
Procedure No of Minimum 1st Median 3rd Maximum Mean
Non-Grid
Centres
Quartile
Quartile
Chest (AP) 28 16 26 32 40 66 33
Chest (lat) 23 35 44 54 64 93 58
Abdomen (AP) 20 41 61 76 94 399 99
Pelvis (AP) 21 29 57 78 118 399 118
L spine (AP) 11 57 76 90 132 616 137
L spine (lat) 12 85 120 141 211 932 241
Skull (AP) 13 56 127 144 176 529 174
Skull (lat)
Grid
14 38 70 87 113 266 101
Abdomen (AP) 7 134 153 210 427 783 327
Pelvis (AP) 7 151 156 184 277 499 243
L spine (AP) 12 151 221 438 640 1210 482
L spine (lat) 9 253 348 730 1272 1566 856
Skull (AP) 12 296 439 465 624 972 534
Skull (lat) 12 180 255 343 387 522 334

27
Distribution of skin entrance doses in air (µGy) for 5 year old children
Procedure No of Minimum 1st Median 3rd Maximum Mean
Non-Grid
Centres
Quartile
Quartile
Chest (AP) 27 20 31 37 48 114 43
Chest (lat) 21 44 58 80 97 369 96
Abdomen (AP) 6 50 98 178 102
Pelvis (AP) 5 67 138 446 209
L spine (AP) 3 70 134 446 217
L spine (lat) 2 140 453 766 453
Skull (AP) 4 75 213 366 217
Skull (lat)
Grid
5 66 108 191 118
Chest (AP) 2 42 61 81 61
Chest (lat) 4 82 102 143 107
Abdomen (AP) 23 187 324 499 677 1214 535
Pelvis (AP) 22 164 317 457 676 1102 503
L spine (AP) 23 187 412 710 865 1249 669
L spine (lat) 23 439 675 1316 2221 4011 1560
Skull (AP) 20 399 641 877 1056 1418 869
Skull (lat) 20 229 374 471 510 926 488
Distribution of skin entrance doses in air (µGy) for 10 year old children
Procedure No of Minimum 1st Median 3rd Maximum Mean
Non-Grid
Centres
Quartile
Quartile
Chest (AP/PA) 20 6 32 45 59 146 49
Chest (lat)
Grid
16 33 63 91 140 238 105
Chest (AP/PA) 8 29 43 52 93 122 65
Chest (lat) 10 57 136 193 473 680 291
Abdomen (AP) 25 271 720 1125 1431 1807 1028
Pelvis (AP) 27 271 620 994 1294 1973 989
L spine (AP) 26 271 833 1189 1482 3029 1210
L spine (lat) 25 528 1896 2680 3771 7757 3176
Skull (AP) 24 373 741 1131 1411 2101 1129
Skull (lat) 25 149 484 540 695 879 550
Distribution of skin entrance doses in air (µGy) for 15 year old children
Procedure No of Minimum 1st Median 3rd Maximum Mean
Non-Grid
Centres
Quartile
Quartile
Chest (AP/PA) 12 12 38 47 64 88 49
Chest (lat)
Grid
7 64 107 121 204 253 152
Chest (AP/PA) 16 40 67 85 139 231 105
Chest (lat) 20 113 239 338 435 940 399
Abdomen (AP) 24 463 1366 1782 2216 3242 1731
Pelvis (AP) 25 463 1084 1636 1822 3242 1596
L spine (AP) 24 463 1479 1956 2424 3242 1892
L spine (lat) 23 1493 4126 5652 8832 15404 6727
Skull (AP) 23 598 1096 1413 1660 2924 1481
Skull (lat) 24 299 532 608 875 1139 679

APPENDIX II
GUIDANCE DOSE LEVELS RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN VICTORIA
28
Neonate chest - skin entrance dose (in air) per radiograph (µGy)
1000 g.
2000 g.
3500 g.
Paediatric - skin entrance dose (in air) per radiograph (µGy)
1 year old 5 year old 10 year old 15 year old
Non-grid Grid Non-grid Grid Non-grid Grid Non-grid Grid
Chest (AP/PA) 40 -- 50 -- 60 100 60 150
Chest (lat) 60 -- 100 -- 150 450 200 450
Abdomen (AP) 100 400 -- 700 -- 1400 -- 2000
Pelvis (AP) 125 300 -- 700 -- 1300 -- 1800
Lumbar spine (AP) 125 650 -- 850 -- 1500 -- 2500
Lumbar spine (lat) 200 1250 -- 2200 -- 4000 -- 8800
Skull (AP) 175 600 -- 1000 -- 1400 -- 1600
Skull (lat) 125 400 -- 500 -- 700 -- 900
Adult - skin entrance dose (in air) per radiograph (mGy) - average size patient
50
55
75
chest PA - with grid 0.16
chest PA - no grid 0.11
Fluoroscopy - skin entrance dose rate (in air) (mGy/min) - average size patient
fixed screening unit 42
mobile image intensifier 30
Developed from measurements made using a phantom assembly of 20 cm of perspex and 0.45 cm of aluminium.
CT scanners - CTDIw (in air) (mGy) (Derived from measurements using a 32 cm diameter perspex body phantom & 16 cm
diameter perspex head phantom)
Routine head 58
Routine chest 27
Routine pelvis 33
Routine abdomen 33
Chiropractic Radiography - skin entrance dose (in tissue) (mGy)
Cervical spine AP 2
Cervical spine lat 2
Thoracic spine AP 5
Thoracic spine lat 10
Lumbar spine AP 10
Lumbar spine lat 20

APPENDIX III
RESEARCH WITH HUMAN VOLUNTEERS -- PROJECTS APPROVED
29
Licensee Work location Chief
investigator
Project Title
Alfred & Baker Medical William Buckland Cucittini Does oestrogen replacement therapy (ORT) prevent
Research Institute Radiotherapy
osteoarthritis? A study examining the effect or ORT on knee
Centre
cartilage.
Alfred & Baker Medical William Buckland Krum Effect of withdrawal of antihypertensive drug therapy on
Research Institute Radiotherapy
automatic functions and vascular responsiveness in patients
Centre
with mild to moderate essential hypertension.
Alfred & Baker Medical Baker Medical Esler Effects of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on regional
Research Institute Research Institute
sympathetic activity in congestive heart failure.
Alfred & Baker Medical Alfred Hospital Aggarwal Non-invasive assessment of central monoamine turnover in
Research Institute Heart Centre
heart failure using SPECT-MIBG scanning.
Austin Hospital Austin &
Repatriation
Medical Centre
Seeman Low peak volumetric density bone loss and osteoporosis
Austin Hospital Austin &
Seeman The role of parathyroid hormone in the pathogenesis of
Repatriation
osteoporosis: study of age related bone loss in patients with
Medical Centre
primary hyperparathyroidism and secondary
hypoparathyroidism.
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical
Centre
Carey Cerebral re-organisation following stroke recovery
Monash Medical Centre Austin Hospital Donnan Cortical re-organisation and sensory-motor recovery after
PET lab.
stroke.
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical Davis Diet and Exercise Intervention to Reverse Polycystic Ovary
Centre
Syndrome
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical Freezer Effect of Salmeterol/Fluticasone Propionate Combination in
Centre
COPD patients
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical Kerr Evaluation of the effect of early intervention with epoietin
Centre
alpha in predialysis patients.
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical
Centre
Cvejic Coordination of breathing and swallowing in COAD patients
Monash Medical Centre Prince Henry's Davis OGEN/PREMARIN/PROVERA - a study of the effects of three
Institute of
different regimens of continuous hormone replacement therapy
Medicine
(HRT)
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical Meredith Small artery stent study: clinical and angiographic outcome
Centre
following NIR stent implantation in small coronary arteries.
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical Meredith Stenting of long coronary lesions. a quantitative angiographic
Centre
study using ACS multi-link stents.
Monash Medical Centre Monash Medical Gilfillan The determinants of hip fracture risk - A 12 year follow up of
Centre
2000 post-menopausal women.
Monash Medical Centre Adolescent Medical Clarke The effects of oestrogen replacement on bone mineral density
Unit
in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa.
Royal Melbourne Institute Bundoora, Dept of Rich Bone density & impact exercise in adult female swimmers
of Technology
Anatomy
Royal Melbourne Institute Bundoora, Dept of Rich Establishment of reliability in the use of dual energy x-ray
of Technology
Anatomy
absorptiometry (DEXA)
University of Melbourne St Vincent’s Ng Comparison of Raloxifene HCL and Placebo in the Treatment
Hospital
of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis. The dementia
diagnostic evaluation amendment.
University of Melbourne Department of Hargreaves Effect of carbohydrate ingestion on glucose kinetics during
(Dept. of Physiology) Physiology
prolonged exercise

APPENDIX IV(a)
CATEGORY
30
NUMBERS OF OPERATOR LICENCES AS AT 21 Sep 1998
IRRADIATING SEALED UNSEALED ENDORSED
Status Status Status Status
A P T A P T A P T A P T
Radiologists 194 1 — — — — — — 1 48 — —
Medical Imaging Technologists 397 — — — — — — — — — — —
Radiation Oncologists 1 — — 1 — — — — — 33 2 —
Radiation Therapists 4 — — — — — — — — 25 — —
Nuclear Medicine Specialists — — — — — — 24 — — 1 — —
Nuclear Medicine Technologists — — — — — — 30 — 4 1 — —
General Practitioners 409 — 13 — — — — — — — — —
Dentists 1946 8 2 — — — — — — — — —
Chiropractors 264 2 — — — — — — — — — —
Dermatologists 8 — — — — — — — — — — —
Ophthalmologists — — — 19 — — — — — 2 — —
Other Medical Specialists 27 — 56 — — — 7 — 1 — — —
Dental Therapists 158 1 — — — — — — — — — —
Testers 29 — 2 2 3 2 — —
—
26 1 1
Service Technicians 165 1 1 40 — — — — — 25 1 —
Research (Human Volunteers) 35 3 3 2 — — 12 — — 4 — —
Veterinary Surgeons 540 2 1 — — — — — 1 17 — —
Industrial Radiographers 112 2 14 2 — 1 — — — 174 1 —
Consultants — — — 1 — 2 — — 2 11 — —
Dental Hygienists 42 2 — — — — — — — — — —
Cardiologists 24 — 13 — — — — — — — — 1
Borehole Loggers — — — 37 2 — — — — 5 — —
Moisture/density Gauge Operators — — — 271 6 18 — — — — — —
Other Paramedical 11 — — 1 — — 5 — — — — —
Radiologist/Nuclear Medicine Specialist — — — — — — — — — 4 — —
Multiple Category 1 — — — — — — — — — — —
Subtotal 4367 22 105 376 11 23 78 0 9 376 5 2
TOTALS A status: 5197 P status: 38 T status: 139
A status = approved licence
P status = licence to be issued pending payment
T status = applications not yet approved - temporary status
Notes: Endorsed licences are licences which permit use of more than one category of irradiating apparatus, sealed source, and unsealed source on the one licence.
Licences for Medical Imaging Technologists, Radiation Therapists, and Nuclear Medicine Technologists are progressively being removed as they expire.
These technologists are now required to be registered with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board instead of holding a licence.

APPENDIX IV(b)
CATEGORY
31
NUMBERS OF REGISTRATIONS AS AT 21 Sep 1998
IRRADIATING SEALED
Status Status
A P T A P T
Radiology (Hospital) 455 3 — — — —
Radiology (Private) 484 4 1 — — —
CT Scanner 106 3 1 — — —
Linear Accelerator 24 — 1 — — —
Radiotherapy 11 — — 26 — —
Dermatology 4 — — 1 — —
Ophthalmology — — — 19 — —
Dental 1941 18 6 — — —
Chiropractor 83 — — — — —
Medical (GP) 94 — 1 — — —
X-ray Analysis 95 — — — — —
Irradiation Cell — — — 3 — —
Borehole Logging 2 — — 59 5 —
Radiation Gauge 10 2 — 453 5 2
Moisture/Density Meter — — — 170 2 —
Industrial Radiography 87 — — 43 — —
Veterinary 369 1 4 7 — —
Calibration — — — 134 1 —
Teaching 16 — — 104 — —
Other Industrial 35 — — 237 1 —
Research 7 — 1 30 1 1
Other Medical 7 — — 5 — —
Mammography 142 1 2 — — —
OPG/Cephalometric 227 — 3 — — —
Cyclotron 1 — — — — —
Bone Mineral Densitometry 38 — — — — —
Mobile Image Intensifier 52 2 — — — —
Condensor Discharge Units 29 3 — — — —
Laboratory Irradiator — — — 8 — —
Lithotripter 3 — — — — —
Crawler Guide Sources — — — 1 — —
Veterinary Dental 6 — — — — —
Therapy Simulator 3 — — — — —
Cabinet X-ray Equipment 37 — 1 — — —
GC-Electron Capture Detector — — — 27 — 1
Subtotal 4368 37 21 1327 15 4
TOTALS A status: 5695 P status: 52 T status: 25
A status = approved registration
P status = registration to be issued pending payment
T status = applications not yet approved - temporary status

APPENDIX IV(c)
CATEGORY
32
NUMBERS OF MANAGEMENT LICENCES AS AT 21 Sep 1998
IRRADIATING SEALED UNSEALED ENDORSED TRANSPORT
Status Status Status Status Status
A P T A P T A P T A P T A P T
Sales 48 1 4 61 — 3 16 — — 12 — —
Industrial — — — — — — 12 — — — — —
Hospital — — — — — — 17 — — — — —
Pathology — — — — — — 9 — — — — —
Education and Research — — — — — — 36 1 — — — —
Research with Human
Volunteers
7 — — 1 — — 5 — — 2 — —
Radiotherapy — — — — — — 2 — — — — —
Nuclear Medicine — — — — — — 43 — — — — —
Other Medical — — — — — — 1 — — — — —
Government Departments — — — — — — 13 — — — — —
Veterinary — — — — — — 5 — 2 — — —
Other Laboratory — — — — — — 2 — — — — —
Manufacturer 1 — — — — — — — — — — —
Transport 15 — —
Transport (Low Level
Waste)
7 — —
Subtotal 56 1 4 62 0 3 161 1 2 14 0 0 22 0 0
TOTALS A status: 315 P status: 2 T status: 9
A status = approved licence
P status = licence to be issued pending payment
T status = applications not yet approved - temporary status
Notes: Endorsed licences are licences which permit use of more than one category of irradiating apparatus, sealed source, and unsealed source on the one licence.

33
APPENDIX V
Summary of Radiation Safety Testing - May 1984 to September 1998
Type Total Number Inspected % Inspected
61 (Public Hospital) 456 344 75.4
62 (Private Radiology) 492 208 42.3
63 (CT Scanners) 110 42 38.2
64 (Linear Accelerators) 25 6 24.0
65 (Radiotherapy - X-ray) 11 3 27.3
65 (Radiotherapy - Sources) 26 5 19.2
66 (Dermatology - X-ray) 4 1 25.0
66 (Dermatology - Source) 1 1 100.0
67 (Ophthalmology) 19 14 73.7
68 (Dentists) 1965 929 47.3
69 (Chiropractor) 83 66 79.5
70 (General Practitioners) 95 81 85.3
71 (X-ray Analysis) 96 18 18.8
72 (Irradiation Cells) 3 1 33.3
73 (Borehole Logging) 65 9 13.8
74 (Gauges - X-ray) 12 2 16.7
74 (Gauges - Sources) 462 210 45.5
75 (Nuclear Moisture Gauges) 172 117 68.0
76 (Industrial Radiography - X-ray) 87 35 40.2
76 (Industrial Radiography - Sources) 43 11 25.6
77 (Veterinary - X-ray) 374 144 38.5
77 (Veterinary - Sources) 7 6 85.7
78 (Calibration Sources) 135 6 4.4
79 (Teaching - X-ray) 16 2 12.5
79 (Teaching - Sources) 104 2 1.9
80 (Other Industrial - X-ray) 35 15 42.9
80 (Other Industrial - Sources) 238 24 10.1
81 (Research - X-ray) 8 2 25.0
81 (Research - Sources) 32 1 3.1
82 (Other Medical - X-ray) 7 4 57.1
82 (Other Medical - Sources) 5 3 60.0
83 (Mammography) 145 101 69.7
84 (OPG) 232 85 36.6
85 (Medical Cyclotron) 1 0 0.0
86 (Bone Mineral Densitometers) 40 10 25.0
87 (Mobile Image Intensifiers) 54 15 27.8
88 (Condensor Discharge Mobile) 32 14 43.8
89 (Laboratory Irradiators) 8 6 75.0
90 (Lithotripter) 3 1 33.3
91 (Industrial Radiography Crawler Guide Sources) 1 0 0.0
92 (Veterinary Dental) 6 1 16.7
93 (Therapy Simulator) 3 1 33.3
94 (Cabinet X-ray Equipment) 38 12 31.6
95 (GC-Electron Capture Detectors) 28 0 0.0
Totals 5779 2558 44.3
NB: This list only applies to units registered (or for which applications have been made) at the time of preparation of this summary. It does not take account of units
that were inspected and have subsequently been de-registered through being sold, dismantled, destroyed or placed in storage.

APPENDIX VI
SUMMARY OF TRAINING COURSES AND EXAMINATIONS IN RADIATION SAFETY
Summary of Radiation Safety Courses - 1991 to September 1998
34
Course No of Courses No of Attendees
97/98 Total Since
Inception
Individuals Companies
97/98 Since
Inception
97/98 Since
Inception
Industrial Radiation Gauges 2 19 12 216 13 82
Nuclear Moisture/Density Gauges 2 14 18 121 6 56
Unsealed Source Laboratory 0 4 0 43 0 10
Transport 0 10 0 78 0 18
General Practitioner Radiography 1 11 17 243 N/A
Summary of Radiation Safety Examinations - 1986 to September 1998
Examination No of Examinations Examination Details
Radiation Protection in Industrial
Radiography
Radiation Protection in Industrial
X-radiography
Radiation Protection in Fixed
Enclosure Industrial Radiography
Sites
97/98 Total Since
Inception
97/98 Since Inception
Attempts Passes Attempts Passes
7 59 16 12 433 283
1 7 1 1 23 22
3 11
Nuclear Moisture/Density Gauges 10 33 67 59 327 278
9
8
35
23

APPENDIX VII
35
PAPERS RELATED TO BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH POWER FREQUENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS CONSIDERED IN THE PAST YEAR
1. Animal Studies
Ekstrom T, Mild KH, Holmberg B. Mammary tumours in
Sprague-Dawley rats after initiation with DBMA followed by
exposure to 50-Hz electromagnetic fields in a promotional
scheme. Cancer Letters 1998:. 123: 107-111
Harris AW, Basten A, Gebski V, Noonan D et al. A test of
lymphoma induction by long-term exposure of E-Pim 1
transgenic mice to 50 Hz magnetic fields. Radiation Research
1998; 149: 300 - 307.
Kumlin T, Kosma VM, Alhonen L, Jänne J et al. Effects of
50-Hz magnetic fields on UV-induced skin tumourigenesis in
ODC-transgenic and non-transgenic mice. Int J Radiat Biol
1998: 73:113-121.
Lai H, Carino MA, Ushijima I. Acute exposure to a 60-Hz
magnetic field affects rats' water-maze performance.
Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 117-122
Mandeville R, Franco E, Sidrac-Ghali S, Paris-Nadon L et al.
Evaluation of the potential carcinogenicity of 60-Hz linear
sinusoidal continuous wave magnetic fields in Fischer F344
rats. FASEB Journal 1997; 11: 1127 - 1136.
Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Poeggeler B, Kavet R. Inconsistent
suppression of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and serum
melatonin levels in rats exposed to DC magnetic fields.
Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 318-329
Sastre A, Cook MR, Graham C. Nocturnal exposure to
intermittent 60 Hz magnetic fields alters human cardiac
rhythm. Bioelectromagnetics 1998; 19: 98 - 106.
Sinkiewicz ZJ, Haylock RG, Saunders RD. Deficits in spatial
learning after exposure of mice to a 50-Hz magnetic field.
Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 79-84
Wood AW, Armstrong SM, Sait ML, Devine L, Martin MJ.
Changes in human plasma melatonin profiles in response to 50
Hz magnetic field exposure. J Pineal Res 1998: 25: 116-127
Yasui M, Kikuchi T, Ogawa M, Tsuchitani M and Iwata H.
Carcinogenicity test of 50 Hz Sinusoidal Magnetic Fields in
Rats. Bioelectromagnetics 1997; 18: 531 - 540.
Zecca L, Mantegazza C, Margonato V, Cerretelli P et al.
Biological effects of prolonged exposure to ELF
electromagnetic fields in rats: III. 50-Hz electromagnetic
fields. Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 57-66
2. Cell Studies
Dibirdik I, Kristupaitis D, Kurosaki T, Tuel-Ahlgren L et al.
Simulation of Src family protein-tyrosine kinases as a
proximal and mandatory step for SYK kinase-dependent
phospholipase Cγ2 activation in lymphoma B cells exposed to
low energy electromagnetic fields. J Bio Chem 1998; 273:
4035-4039
Rosen LA, Barber I, Lyle DB. A 0.5 G, 60-Hz magnetic field
suppresses melatonin production in pinealocytes.
Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 123-127.
3. Epidemiology
Dockerty JD, Elwood JM, Skegg DC, Herbison GP.
Electromagnetic field exposures and childhood cancers in
New Zealand. Cancer Causes & Control 1998: 9: 299-310
Feychting M, Pedersen NL, Svedberg P, Floderus B and Gatz
M. Dementia and occupational exposure to magnetic fields.
Scand J Work Environ Health 1998; 24: 46 - 53.
Feychting M, Svensson D and Ahlbom A. Exposure to motor
vehicle exhaust and childhood cancer. Scand J Work Environ
Health 1998; 24: 8 - 11.
Johansen C and Olsen JH. Risk of cancer among Danish
utility workers - a nationwide cohort study. An J Epidemiol
1998; 147: 548 - 555.
Li C-Y, Lee W-C and Lin RS. Risk of leukemia in children
living near high-voltage transmission lines. JOEM 1998; 40:
144 - 147.
Michaelis J, Schuz J, Meinert R, Zemann E et al. Combined
risk estimates for two German population-based case-control
studies on residential magnetic fields and childhood acute
leukaemia. Epidemiology 1998; 9: 92 - 94.
Thériault G and Li C-Y. Risks of leukaemia among residents
close to high voltage transmission electric lines. Occup
Environ Med 1997; 54: 625 - 628.
Törnqvist S. Paternal work in the power industry: effects on
children at delivery. JOEM 1998; 40: 111 - 117.
4. Dosimetry
Skotte JH and Hjøllund HI. Exposure of welders and other
metal workers to ELF magnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics
1997; 18: 470 - 477.
Wenzl TB. Estimating magnetic field exposures of rail
maintenance workers. AIHA Journal 1997; 58: 667 - 671.

5. Reviews and Editorials
Portier CJ, Wolfe MS (Eds.). Assessment of health effects
form exposure to power-line frequency electric and magnetic
fields: NIEHS Working Group Report. Report No. 98-3981.
Research Triangle Park, NC: US National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences.
US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Report from Director (in press)
6. International Guidelines
International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation
Protection. Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying
electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz).
Health Physics April 1998; 74(4): 494-522.
36
7. Other
Linet MS, Tarone and Robison LL. Leukemia and exposure to
magnetic fields. N Engl J Med 1997; 337(20): 1473-1474.
Neutra RR. Leukemia and exposure to magnetic fields. N
Engl J Med 1997; 337(20): 1473.
Stevens RG. Leukemia and exposure to magnetic fields. N
Engl J Med 1997; 337(20): 1471-1472.
Wartenberg D. Leukemia and exposure to magnetic fields. N
Engl J Med 1997; 337(20): 1471.
Zaffanella LE, Savitz DA, Greenland S and Ebi KL. The
residential case-specular method to study wire codes, magnetic
fields and disease. Epidemiology 1998; 9: 16-20.

37
APPENDIX VIII SUMMARY OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PAPERS (1997-1998)
Measure of Exposure Results Comments
Result based on 9 cases
and 8 controls
OR = 2.3 (95% CI
0.8 - 6.5) for exposures
above a median of 0.2 T
OR for all cancers = 1.06
(1.03 - 1.10). No excess
for leukemia, brain
cancer or breast cancer
(male or female)
Authors Country Year Type of Study Subjects Health
Published
Outcome
Michaelis et Germany 1998 Pooling of two 176 cases
Childhood 24 hr bedroom
al
previous
414 controls leukemia measurements
case-control studies
Johansen Denmark 1998 Cohort study 32 006 employees All cancers Job-exposure matrix
and Olsen
involving all 99
partly constructed using
Danish utilities
a 1993 personal
dosimeter survey
Exposure assessment was
not very detailed. Main
contribution to OR for
all cancers mainly due to
pleural and lung cancer
(which seems to be due
to asbestos), non
melanoma skin cancer
and gall bladder cancer
Poor measure of
exposure. SIRs based on
small numbers in each
age group (2, 4 and 1
respectively)
All ORs were
approximately 1.5.
Whilst this is a
meta-analysis, these are
nevertheless small
numbers. Provides some
support for an
association between
leukaemia and proximity
to high voltage
transmission lines
1 - large numbers but
crude exposure
information
2 - Better exposure
information but small
numbers
Significantly elevated
SIR in 0 - 4 and 5 - 9
year old age groups but
not 10 - 14 year old age
Residence within 100 m
of high tension
powerlines
Childhood
leukemia
120 696 children
residing in Taipei
Li et al Taiwan 1998 Observational Study
(SIR)
group
Combined ORs
significantly elevated for
cut-off distances of 25 m
and 50 m, and for all
calculated magnetic field
cut-off points other than
2 mG (95 % CI includes
unity)
Leukemia 1 - Distance from high
tension powerlines
(> 49 kV)
2 - Calculated magnetic
fields from lines
Various 1997 Meta-Analysis Residents close to
high voltage
transmission lines
Thériault
and Li
No significantly elevated
risk of any of the health
outcomes other than the
number of cancers in
study 1 being higher than
that expected compared
with the general
population. NB. no
difference between
“exposed” and
“unexposed” groups
1 - classified as electrical
worker in census
2 - Average exposure
based on 278 full shift
measurements for work
tasks and estimation of
time spent on various
tasks
Birth outcome
and cancer in
the offspring of
fathers
1 - Men with
occupations in the
power industry
2 - First-employed
power industry
workers
Törnqvist Sweden 1998 1 - Retrospective
cohort study
2 - Prospective
cohort study

38
Measure of Exposure Results Comments
24 hr residential
measurements
Authors Country Year Type of Study Subjects Health
Published
Outcome
Dockerty et New 1998 Case-control 303 cases and 303 Childhood
al
Zealand
controls
leukemia
This is a small study and
multiple comparisons
were made. The positive
findings should be
interpreted cautiously
Some ORs slightly but
not significantly
elevated. For the highest
category of bedroom
magnetic field the OR
was high (15.5) but had a
wide confidence interval
(1.1 - 224) due to small
Results only partially
support findings by
previous studies that
indicate that
occupational magnetic
field exposure may
possibly influence the
development of dementia
numbers
- ORs close to unity for
last occupation
- ORs close to unity for
reference group 1 and
slightly raised (but not
significantly) for group 2
in the case of highest
exposure occupation
- ORs significantly
elevated for both
dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease with
both groups (ORs range
from 2.4 to 3.8
- Significantly elevated
risk for total cancer only
at highest exposure level
- Elevated risks for
leukemia and central
nervous systems were
not significant and had
wide confidence
intervals
Job-exposure matrix for
primary occupation, last
occupation and
occupation with highest
magnetic field exposure
Dementia ­
mainly
Alzheimer’s
disease
Sweden 1998 Case-control 77 cases and two
reference groups
with 228 and 238
persons respectively
Feychting
et al
The authors conclude
that their results indicate
an association between
childhood cancer and
motor vehicle exhaust
although the number of
cases was small. Motor
vehicle exhaust is one
possible confounder in
residential ELF
epidemiologic studies
Nitrogen dioxide
concentration was used
as a measure of motor
vehicle exhaust
Childhood
cancer (from
exposure to
motor vehicle
exhaust)
142 cases from a
cohort of 127 000
people living within
300 m of
transmission lines,
and 4 referents per
case from the cohort
Sweden 1998 Nested
Case-Control
Feychting
et al

APPENDIX IX
39
PAPERS RELATED TO BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH RADIOFREQUENCY
RADIATION CONSIDERED IN THE PAST YEAR
Davidson JA. Brain tumours and mobile phones? (letter).
MJA 5 January, 1998; 168: 48.
de Seze R, Fabbro-Paray P, Miro L. GSM radiocellular
telephones do not disturb the secretion of antepituitary
hormones in humans. Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 271-278
Donnellan M, McKenzie DR, French PW. Effects of exposure
to electromagnetic radiation at 835 MHz on growth,
morphology and secretory characteristics of a mast cell
analogue, RBL-2H3. Cell Biol Internl 1997: 21:427-439.
French PW, Donnellan M, McKenzie DR. Electromagnetic
radiation at 835 MHz changes the morphology and inhibits
proliferation of a human astrocytoma cell line. Bioelectrochem
. Bioenergetics 1997: 43:13-18
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection. Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying
electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz).
Health Physics April 1998; 74(4): 494 - 522.
Malyapa RS, Ahern EW, Straube WL, Moros EG et al.
Measurement of DNA damage after exposure to
electromagnetic radiation in the cellular phone communication
frequency band (835.62 and 847.74 MHz. Radiat Research
1997: 148: 618-627
Mann K, Wagner P, Brunn G, Hassan F et al. Effects of pulsed
high-frequency electromagnetic fields on the neuroendocrine
system. Neuroendocrinol 1998: 67: 139-144
McKenzie DR, Yin Y, Morell S. Childhood incidence of acute
lymphoblastic leukaemia and exposure to broadcast radiation
in Sydney: a second look. Aust NZ J Public Health 1998: 22:
360-367
Schönborn F, Burkhardt M and Kuster N. Differences in
energy absorption between heads of adults and children in the
near field of sources. Health Physics 1998; 74(2): 160 - 168.
Wagner P, Röschke J, Mann W, Frank C. Human sleep under
the influence of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields:
a polysomnographic study using standardised conditions.
Bioelectromagnetics 1998: 19: 199-202

ABBREVIATIONS
A/m
amps/metre, a unit of magnetic field
AECB
Atomic Energy Control Board (Canada)
AIR
Australian Institute of Radiography
AMA
Australian Medical Association
ANSTO
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
ANZAPNM
Australian and New Zealand Association of Physicians in
Nuclear Medicine
ANZSNM
Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine
AP
antero-posterior
ARA
Australian Rheumatology Association
ARPANSA
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
Bq
becquerel, a unit of radioactivity (1 Bq = 1 disintegration per
second)
CT
computed tomography
DAP
dose area product
DMBA
dimethylbenz[a]anthracene
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
40
DNRE
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
DOELAP
Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (US)
DPIE
Department Primary Industry and Energy
EMF
electromagnetic field
EMROC
East Melbourne Radiation Oncology Centre
GHz
gigahertz, a unit of frequency
(1 GHz=1,000,000,000 Hz)
H&SE
Health & Safety Executive (UK)
Hz
hertz, a unit of frequency
(1 Hz = 1 cycle/second)
ICNIRP
International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation
Protection
ICRP
International Commission on Radiological Protection
kBq
kilobecquerel (1 kBq = 1,000 Bq)
kV
kilovolt (1 kV = 1,000 V)
kV/m
kilovolt/metre, a unit of electric field
MAG
metal active gas welding

MBq
megabecquerel (1 MBq = 1,000,000 Bq)
MIG
metal inert gas welding
MIT
medical imaging technologist
µGy
microgray, a unit of absorbed dose
(1 µGy = 0.000 001 Gy)
µSv
microsievert, a unit of equivalent dose
(1 µSv = 0.000 001 Sv)
µT
microtesla, a unit of magnetic flux density
(1 µT = 10 mG)
mG
milligauss, a unit of magnetic flux density
(1 mG = 0.001 G)
mSv
millisievert, a unit of equivalent dose
(1 mSv =0.001 Sv)
mT
millitesla, a unit of magnetic flux density
(1 mT = 10 G)
MRTB
Medical Radiation Technologists Board
NHMRC
National Health & Medical Research Council
NIEHS
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (US)
NMT
nuclear medicine technologist
NMDG
nuclear moisture/density gauge
41
NRPB
National Radiation Protection Board (UK)
NSQAC
National Specialist Qualification Advisory Committee
NVLAP
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (US)
OR
odds ratio, the odds of disease in exposed persons divided by
the odds of disease in unexposed persons. An odds ratio of 1
means that there is no difference in risk of disease between
exposed and unexposed persons.
PA
postero-anterior
QA
Quality Assurance
RAC
Radiation Advisory Committee
RACGP
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
RACP
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
RACR
Royal Australasian College of Radiologists
REM
rapid eye movement
RFR
radiofrequency radiation
RMIT
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
RSU
Radiation Safety Unit, Dept. of Human Services
RVEEH
Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital

TLD
SAHC thermoluminescent dosimeter
South Australian Health Commission
VIG
Sv Victorian Imaging Group
sievert, the special name given to the equivalent and effective
dose unit, J kg -1
TBq
terabecquerel (1 TBq = 1,000,000,000,000 Bq)
42
V/m
volts/metre, a unit of electric field

43
RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
RADIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/- RADIATION SAFETY UNIT
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
17th Floor
120 Spencer Street
Melbourne 3000
Victoria
Telephone: 61 3 9637 4169
Facsimile: 61 3 9637 4508
email: caroline.isakow@dhs.vic.gov.au