Teste | Abstract: 138-1 | ||||
Abstract:This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the calculation of effective dose for radiation protection purposes in a radioactive facility, with the goal of enhancing occupational safety. The effective dose is a fundamental metric in radiation protection, integrating the amount of radiation absorbed with the sensitivity of different human organs, thereby allowing a comprehensive assessment of the potential risk associated with exposure. In this context, utilizing scientific literature data concerning the equation for calculating the effective dose from a point source is crucial for determining the potential risk range in ionizing radiation environments. This calculation not only aids in identifying risks but also in implementing appropriate protective measures to minimize exposure and ensure worker health. Various factors impacting the effective dose were considered, including the air attenuation factor, the air build-up factor, and the presence of shielding (barite concrete) along with its associated consequences, such as attenuation and build-up factors. The attenuation factor refers to the reduction in radiation intensity as it passes through and interacts with the air, while the build-up factor accounts for the increase in dose due to the scattering of secondary photons. The presence of shielding, which are physical barriers designed to reduce exposure, is another essential component in radiation protection. The methodology adopted involves calculating the air attenuation and build-up factors under different environmental conditions, specifically varying temperature and humidity. Additionally, different formulations of the build-up factor, including the Berger and Taylor models, were analyzed. The analysis was conducted both in the presence and absence of shielding, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact in real exposure scenarios. The results indicated that for high-activity sources, as the effective dose remains elevated even at large distances from the source, there arises a need to consider additional factors that may not be relevant for short distances in the air but become significant at greater distances. For example, the dispersion of secondary radiation and environmental conditions become critical in high-radiation intensity environments. The importance of this study lies in its proposal to incorporate a variety of factors into the effective dose calculations in the air. Considering multiple parameters such as temperature, humidity, and different build-up formulations provides a more robust and precise analysis, which is essential for efficient risk management in radioactive facilities. This approach, while utilizing well-established concepts in the field of ionizing radiation physics, presents an innovative aspect for occupational radiation protection by not only contributing to worker safety but also providing a solid scientific basis for implementing risk mitigation strategies. This work highlights the need for a holistic and detailed approach in the calculation of the effective dose, promoting occupational safety through more effective and informed radiation protection practices. Keywords: Air attenuation factor, Build-up factor, Occupational safety, Radiation protection, Effective dose |