Radiation safety assessment of X-ray baggage scanners in a Metro Manila hotel and a port facility

Abstract

Background: The ionizing radiation produced by X-ray baggage scanners may cause harmful health effects to the health of occupational workers and members of the public. Hence, the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends that radiation exposures from X-ray baggage scanners be kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Objectives: This study was done to assess the occupational risk from the measured ambient radiation from anti-crime X-ray scanners from a hotel and a port facility in Metro Manila. This was done by comparing the measured radiation levels with the acceptable limits required by the Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health, and Research (CDRRHR) –Department of Health (DOH) – Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Methodology: Ambient radiation of X-ray baggage scanners from Manila North Harbour Port Inc. (MNHPI) and Marriott Hotel Manila (MHM) were measured using RaySafe Xi survey detector while both machines were in operation. Measurements were done at a five-cm distance from the surface of the scanner console, front, back, left, and right sides. Peak measurements of ambient radiation were then obtained to overestimate the scattered radiation dose received by the worker assigned to the scanner. Values from the peak measurement were then compared with the limits set by the CDRRHR-DOH-FDA.

Results: The maximum measured ambient radiations at 5 cm from the surface of the machine were 0.590 μSv/hr and 3.519 μSv/hr from MNHPI and MHM, respectively. Both peak measurements were less than the 5.000 μSv/hr limit set by the CDRRHR-DOH-FDA.

Conclusion: Measurements from both facilities are within the required limit of the 5 μSv/hr at 5 cm distance from the external surface of the X-ray baggage scanner, set by the CDRRHR-DOH-FDA. It was also seen that the calculated annual occupation dose of the operator is within the limits set by ICRP. It is also recommended to study measuring at other distances from the surface of the scanner to determine whether safety protocols should be reassessed.