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Abstract: 51-2

51-2

Radiation risks to women's health: a radiation protection gender perspective

Authors:
Marina Di Giorgio (ARN - Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear) ; Adrián Claudio Pérez (ARN - Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear, SRT - Superintendencia de Riesgos de Trabajo) ; Jorge Oyuela (ARN - Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear, SRT - Superintendencia de Riesgos de Trabajo) ; David Germán Traetta Traetta (ARN - Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear, SRT - Superintendencia de Riesgos de Trabajo)

Abstract:

Concerns about the hazards of radiation on women's health, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding workers, should be addressed with appropriate preventive measures and a gender perspective in organizational practices. In the health sector, which has a large number of female workers at risk of exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), there is an overuse of radiological tests, especially in emergency care. In Argentina, 60% of the workforce in the health sector is female, with 69.2% being within childbearing age. However, services such as radiology, diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine have a lower proportion of female workers (30-40%). In the case of women working in settings with IR, this condition should be given special consideration in order to comply with existing occupational dose limits and those applicable to the embryo/fetus or infant, established to protect them. The purpose is for the employer to responsibly adapt the of Working Conditions and Environment of the worker's workplace in relation to occupational exposure, in order to ensure that the embryo, foetus or infant is given the same broad degree of protection that is required for members of the public (1 mSv) from the moment pregnancy is declared. This context raises concerns about occupational exposure to IR and existing problems related to gender stereotypes and opportunities within the sector. In situations where a worker is professionally exposed while pregnant or breastfeeding, options include maintaining their current tasks while ensuring foetal doses within recommended limits; relocating them to areas with lower radiation exposure; or assigning non-irradiation-related tasks. These decisions should consider both quantitative principles of Radiation Protection as well as psychosocial risks at work. It is important to address these issues through a participatory policy within an Occupational Health and Safety Management System that respects legal protections for women. 

Keywords:
 Radiation risks, Women's health, Radiation protection , Female workers, Gender perspective