NCJ Number
223883
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2008 Pages: 917-921
Date Published
July 2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study determined the radiation levels that resulted from leakage and scatter encountered by the forensic dental personnel in using the Nomad portable x-ray system in creating dental radiographs for identifying bodies in a temporary morgue at St. Gabriel, LA, following Hurricane Katrina.
Abstract
The study found that the leakage and scatter radiation dose from the Nomad was insignificant when measured against established radiation safety guidelines of 50 mSv per year for all team members. The results show that the maximum radiation dose as a result of scatter radiation was to the assistant’s chest when he/she occupied the position at 60 degrees to the Nomad or 30 degrees behind the plane of the lead ring. At this location, the assistant’s chest was exposed to 4.4 mR of radiation per X-ray, or 0.253 mSv per 5,760 X-rays for a 2-week deployment. Having the lead ring of the Nomad properly positioned on the end of the Nomad cone was essential for operator safety. Removing the lead ring resulted in radiation readings almost 10 times higher than measurements with the ring in place. Using a Keithley Radiation Survey Meter and Lucite head phantom, radiation levels were measured at various distance and angles from the Nomad corresponding to the positions occupied by the dental personnel in the process of making dental radiographs. The measurements were used to approximate the maximum total radiation dose from the Nomad to each team member during a 2-week and a 4-week deployment. 3 tables, 7 figures, and 5 references