Changes

The primary aim of radiological protection is to provide an appropriate standard of protection for people and the environment without unduly limiting the beneficial practices giving rise to radiation exposure. [[ICRP Publication 103]] has formulated a set of fundamental principles of radiological protection that apply to radiation sources and to the individuals being exposed. These principles are applicable to radiological protection in medicine. ICRP has provided recommendations for protection in medicine through [[ICRP Publication 105]] Radiological Protection in Medicine<ref name="Pub105">[[ICRP Publication 105]] Radiological Protection in Medicine. Ann. ICRP 37(6), 2007.</ref>, [[ICRP Supporting Guidance 2]] Radiation and your patient - A Guide for Medical Practitioners and [[ICRP Publication 73]] Radiological Protection and Safety in Medicine.

Medical radiation sources are used deliberately in the healthcare of patients and are designed for use in a controlled manner. There obviously are some adverse health risks associated with the use of radiation in medicine <ref name="Pub105">[[ICRP Publication 105]] Radiological Protection in Medicine. Ann. ICRP 37(6), 2007.</ref>, with higher amounts of radiation being associated with higher risks. The undisputed health benefits of [[Application_of_ionising_radiation_in_healthcare_(demo)#Diagnostic_Radiology|diagnostic radiology]] ([[ICRP Publication 121]] Radiological Protection in Paediatric Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, [[ICRP Publication 102]] Managing Patient Dose in Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT), [[ICRP Publication 87]] Managing Patient Dose in Computed Tomography) using x-ray or nuclear medicine ([[ICRP Publication 128|Publication 128]]) may be accompanied by a generally very small risk (probability) of deleterious effects, while in radiation therapy ([[ICRP Publication 127]] Radiological Protection in Ion Beam Radiotherapy, [[ICRP Publication 98]] Radiation Safety Aspects of Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer using Permanently Implanted Sources, [[ICRP Publication 97]]: Prevention of High-dose-rate Brachytherapy Accidents, [[ICRP Publication 86]] Prevention of Accidents to Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy), such risk can be much higher as large amounts of radiation are required.