Minimizing Exposure to Radiation

Many people who are exposed to radiation in the workplace wear a dosimeter, a badge that measures the accumulated exposure to radiation over a period of time, usually three months. A dosimeter can help ensure that best practices are followed to keep doses as low as can reasonably be achieved. Dosimeters are inexpensive and most employers supply them to workers exposed to radiation. In some jurisdictions dosimeters are required. A dosimeter will allow you monitor your exposure to radiation on a regular basis and will help occupational health specialists assess the risk in case of accidental exposure.

If you are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, you might also want to consider taking the following steps:

• Find out from your employer whether you should be wearing a personal dosimeter, if it is not already a requirement in your job.
  

• During the course of your pregnancy, have your dosimeter badge processed every two weeks, instead of at the usual 3 month intervals.
  

• Discuss ways of reducing your exposure with your employer. Your employer may be able to reassign some of your tasks or rotate staff.

For some tasks, using a lead apron may be useful in reducing unnecessary exposure to the fetus.