Further Problems in X-Ray Protection

The concept of tolerance enters into all problems of radiation protection. Numerous articles (1–7), of which the one just preceding (8) is typical, give the amount of radiation reaching persons under various conditions of occupational exposure. In some instances the ratio of primary to secondary radiation is given, and in some estimates are made of the amount of screening material required to reduce the intensity to specified levels. Yet when this careful work is finished, one continues to be faced with the most important question of all: What constitutes a safe dose? It is the purpose of this paper to give a brief history of x-ray protection, to discuss some of the types of irradiation injury, and finally to set forth what appears to be the best attitude toward protection and protective measures at this time. History of the Tolerance Dose In a previous report (9) we have traced the history of radiation protection as follows: “… as early as 1902 attention was given to the question of how much radiation a radium or X-ray worker can withstand. At that time the suggestion was made by Rollins [10] that ‘if a photographic plate is not fogged in seven minutes, the radiation is not of harmful intensity.’ Although it was known within a few months after the discovery of X-rays that this radiation is more effectively stopped by lead than by most other materials, and as early as 1903 that scattered radiation existed [11], there is no record of further work on protection for a period of thirteen years despite the fact that many cases of radiodermatitis and radiocarcinoma continued to accumulate…. “What was believed to be the first organized step toward protection from roentgen rays was taken in 1915 following the reading of a paper on protective devices before the British Roentgen Society [12]. At that time a resolution was passed providing that the council of this society should meet and take steps toward securing safety for X-ray operators. Because of the war activity which existed then, the plan failed to bring forth important advancements. As the result of the war demands, caution gave way to action and protection measures were again forgotten. The taking of increased risks at this time probably was a factor which contributed to an unfortunate development in 1919 and 1920, both in this country and in Europe, when a number of prominent radiation workers died of apparent irradiation injury, particularly aplastic anemia. Unfavorable publicity developed and action resulted. “While some steps toward protection were taken in France immediately after the war, the first roentgen protection committee was formed by the American Roentgen Ray Society in September 1920. Following the publication of certain terse comments in the London Times in March 1921 concerning the sad plight of X-ray workers, the British X-ray and Radium Protection Committee was formed.