Safety_Series_025_1968 - gnssn - International Atomic Energy ...

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This publication is no longer validPlease see http://www.ns-iaea.org/standards/radiation, such as beta particles, the skin in fact absorbs almostthe entire amount. Also, in handling radioactive substances, theskin of the hands is exclusively or at least primarily exposed. Itis therefore advisable to make a survey of the condition of the skin,especially with a view to detecting the chronic dermatoses whichincrease its radiosensitivity. In addition, examination should bemade of the hands and fingers in order to evaluate the functional ormorphological changes possibly occurring as a result of chronicirradiation. Some authorities have accordingly recommended —though their advice has been little heeded — the regular taking offingerprints as a means of observing progressive deterioration ofthe contour of the skin and detecting affection of the epidermis asshown by flattening. A study of the capillary circulation also providesvaluable data on subjacent affection of the dermis and conjunctivetissue. Finally, a precise tactile examination may usefullysupplement the two previous examinations.4. 2. 2. 2. 5. Examination of the eyes. The eye is generally regardedas a critical organ. Though the lens is sensitive to X- and gammarays, it is particularly sensitive to external radiation composed ofrelatively heavy particles, such as neutrons, protons, etc.4. 2. 2. 2. 6 . Examination of the mouth, ear, nose and throat. Whereworkers are exposed to the risk of radioactive contamination, inparticular by pollution of the atmosphere, the upper respiratory anddigestive tracts are the first to be contaminated. Radioactive particlesmay remain for some period in contact with the mucous membranesof the mouth, the nose and the pharyngo-laryngeal region.This may lead to local irradiation and disorders of the epitheliumwhich can be detected by regular examination. Therefore a mouthand ear-nose-throat inspection should be made periodically, andan immediate examination effected in case of an accident involvingsignificant radioactive contamination.4. 2. 2. 2. 7. Examinations of the lungs. Examination of the lung isgenerally carried out on a regular basis in industrial medicine, inview of the high incidence of diseases of the respiratory system.Such examinations are particularly necessary whenever work is donein a polluted-atmosphere and they should therefore be carried outon persons engaged in work involving risk of contamination fromthat source. The information sought should indicate the morpho106
This publication is no longer validPlease see http://www.ns-iaea.org/standards/logical and functional condition of the lungs; particular attentionshould be devoted to detecting conditions of fibrosis, chronic bronchitisor of emphysema, and the vital capacity and other lungfunctions should be tested. Special importance attaches to radiologicalexamination of the lungs as a check on the w orker's health.4. 2. 2. 2. 8. Examination of ^the digestive tract. The digestive tractis recognized as one of the critical organs, as it is often heavilyirradiated during inhalation or ingestion of radioactive substances.It should, however, be recognized that, unlike the preceding case,the digestive tract does not lend itself readily to examinations likelyto reveal small changes in its structure or functions.4. 2. 2. 2. 9. Examination of the liver and kidneys. The importantrole played by the liver and kidneys as organs of excretion in generaland of elimination of radioactive substances in particular iswell known. It is therefore useful to have information on the functionalstatus of these organs in a case of regular or accidental radioactivecontamination. Liver and kidney, however, cannot be expectedto reveal the effects of even a significant degree of irradiation,as their radiosensitivity is too low as compared with that of otherorgans.4. 2. 2. 2. 10. Examination of the genital system. The study of thegonads has a double significance — both genetic and somatic. Thegenetic effects of irradiation can of course only be evaluated in thedescendants, but in the somatic field it is possible to point to immediateconsequences. The spermatogenic function is extremely radiosensitivein the male, so much so that its study is a particularlyvaluable test for evaluating the radiation dose absorbed. However,for various reasons, such examinations cannot be carried out systematically.They should, however, be made in all cases of significantover-exposure, when a count of the spermatozoa and a studyof their morphological and functional changes are called for. Particularattention should be paid to the detection of abnormal forms,abnormal nuclei, caudal bifidity and motility disturbances, and alsoincreased fragility.In the female, on the other hand, the effects of irradiation aremuch more difficult to detect and disturbances of the menstrual cyclebecome evident only at very high doses.In woman too, the progress of any pregnancy should be followedattentively from the time it is known or reported.1 07
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26Table 6-2. Fracture-specific EC i
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