National Harbor, MD — A new policy adopted by the American Medical Association is aimed at bolstering protections for health care workers who are exposed to ionizing radiation.
The use of imaging and interventional procedures that rely on ionizing radiation continues to grow, AMA says in a press release. The association cites a recent study that suggests low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, reproductive health effects and cataracts.
The policy urges the use of personal protective equipment that fits all body types, genders and pregnancy statuses, along with supplying dosimetry badges to all health care professionals and trainees who work in settings where radiation exposure is possible.
The policy also calls for:
- Additional research into the health effects of low- and very-low levels of ionizing radiation exposure; the effectiveness of PPE and administrative and engineering controls designed to reduce exposures; and barriers that prevent PPE use and ways to improve its use.
- Education for all health care workers and trainees – tailored to specific risk – on how to limit exposure for themselves and their patients.
- The establishment of education and training standards by medical specialty societies.
“Taking steps to help more health care professionals better limit their exposure to ionizing radiation will go a long way toward reducing or avoiding potentially harmful, long-lasting health effects,” AMA board member and physician Sandra Adamson Fryhofer said in the release.
AMA board members voted to adopt the policy during the association’s Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates, which concluded Nov. 17.
