Occupational Radiation Protection In Malawian Hospitals

The field of radiation protection has not yet advanced in Malawi. This may probably be because there are not many industries using ionizing radiation sources. However in medicine, especially in diagnostic radiology, there are many X-ray machines being used in various hospitals all over the country. Although the levels of radiation are lower in radiography than in radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, it is still important no to compromise safety of workers and patients against X-rays. This book presents the results from the study which focused on investigating radiation safety of workers in radiology departments of some hospitals in Malawi. The implementation of basic safety principles recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) was assessed. Radiation dose received by radiographers was also assessed and compared against the recommended ICRP dose limits. This information should be useful to differentprofessionals concerned with sustainable development in Malawi and Africa, more especially those interested in safety of people and the environment from various hazards of which radiation is one of them.