2. RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS SAFETY TRAINING FOR NON-USER EMPLOYEES Department of Environmental Health and Safety New York Medical College.

3. This training and quiz are required for those individuals who may encounter radioactive materials but DO NOT use them in the course of their work. This training and quiz are required for those individuals who may encounter radioactive materials but DO NOT use them in the course of their work.

4. Why do I need this training? To ensure that all members of the NYMC community are aware of the potential hazards associated with radiation and radioactivity To ensure that all members of the NYMC community are aware of the potential hazards associated with radiation and radioactivity To become aware of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the College rules and regulations To become aware of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the College rules and regulations To learn how to keep your exposures: As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). To learn how to keep your exposures: As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). This training will: This training will: Fulfill Part 16 requirements of the New York Code Fulfill Part 16 requirements of the New York Code Ensure personnel are aware of radiation hazards and contamination control methods Ensure personnel are aware of radiation hazards and contamination control methods Inform workers of their rights and responsibilities Inform workers of their rights and responsibilities Inform workers of NYMC policies Inform workers of NYMC policies

5. What are we learning about…? What are we learning about…? Upon completion of this course, the students shall be able to: Upon completion of this course, the students shall be able to: Recognize the “Radiation” symbol Recognize the “Radiation” symbol Recognize areas that may contain radioactive materials Recognize areas that may contain radioactive materials Identify the difference between Radiation and Contamination Identify the difference between Radiation and Contamination Describe background radiation Describe background radiation Describe the potential long term and short term risks associated with radiation exposure Describe the potential long term and short term risks associated with radiation exposure Areas posted with the Radiation Symbol: Areas posted with the Radiation Symbol: ► Identify the rules to follow ► Identify the rules to follow ► Identify the steps to take in the event: ► Identify the steps to take in the event: Δ You discover a fire or medical emergency Δ You discover a fire or medical emergency Δ You discover a spill Δ You discover a spill Δ You have to repair or move facilities or equipment labeled with the Radiation symbol Δ You have to repair or move facilities or equipment labeled with the Radiation symbol NOTE: Personnel who receive this training are NOT ALLOWED to use radioactive materials. NOTE: Personnel who receive this training are NOT ALLOWED to use radioactive materials.

6. What does the RADIATION Symbol look like? What does the RADIATION Symbol look like? All radioactive materials and radiation generating devices must be labeled with the universal symbol for radiation All radioactive materials and radiation generating devices must be labeled with the universal symbol for radiation Only authorized individuals who are properly trained should handle materials or devices with this radiation symbol Only authorized individuals who are properly trained should handle materials or devices with this radiation symbol

7. What is Radiation? Radiation is energy emitted from a substance. There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Radiation is energy emitted from a substance. There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Everyday examples of non-ionizing radiation are Everyday examples of non-ionizing radiation are Microwaves used to cook food Microwaves used to cook food Radio waves Radio waves Television Television Light Light Ionizing Radiation means alpha particles (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) and X-rays (among others) that are capable of producing ions. These types of energy can cause chemical changes to living things. Large exposures to ionizing radiation may damage cells or tissues. Real-life examples of ionizing radiation are X-ray machines and radioisotopes used in biomedical research. Ionizing Radiation means alpha particles (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) and X-rays (among others) that are capable of producing ions. These types of energy can cause chemical changes to living things. Large exposures to ionizing radiation may damage cells or tissues. Real-life examples of ionizing radiation are X-ray machines and radioisotopes used in biomedical research.

8. What is Contamination? Contamination is radioactive material in a location where it is not desired Contamination is radioactive material in a location where it is not desired Lab bench, door knobs, telephone, computer, offices, etc. Lab bench, door knobs, telephone, computer, offices, etc. Loose Contamination, like dust, can be easily removed Loose Contamination, like dust, can be easily removed Fixed contamination is embedded in the material’s surface and is more difficult to remove. Fixed contamination is embedded in the material’s surface and is more difficult to remove.

9. What is an “Occupational Dose”? What is an “Occupational Dose”? Occupational exposure or dose is the amount of ionizing radiation received by individuals from their assigned duties during their normal course of employment. Occupational exposure or dose is the amount of ionizing radiation received by individuals from their assigned duties during their normal course of employment. Individuals who receive or have the potential to receive an occupational exposure (dose) are considered occupationally exposed and subject to NYSDOH’s Occupational exposure (dose) limits Individuals who receive or have the potential to receive an occupational exposure (dose) are considered occupationally exposed and subject to NYSDOH’s Occupational exposure (dose) limits Doses received from background radiation from nature, medical examinations and treatments, or as members of the public are not considered occupational exposures. Doses received from background radiation from nature, medical examinations and treatments, or as members of the public are not considered occupational exposures.

10. What is a radiation dose ? A radiation dose is an amount of ionizing radiation that is absorbed by your body. A radiation dose is an amount of ionizing radiation that is absorbed by your body. State and Federal regulations limit radiation doses to members of the general public or non-radiation workers to 100 millirem per year from NYMC operations State and Federal regulations limit radiation doses to members of the general public or non-radiation workers to 100 millirem per year from NYMC operations State and Federal regulations limit radiation doses to radiation workers to 5000 millirem per year from NYMC operations State and Federal regulations limit radiation doses to radiation workers to 5000 millirem per year from NYMC operations

11. Declared Pregnant Worker Declaration of a pregnancy is voluntary and is accomplished by completing a Declaration of Pregnancy Form available on the EHS website or through the office (x4448). You must also review Regulatory Guide 8.13 – Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure. Your dose will be limited to 10% of the normal occupational limits during pregnancy. This will result in a 500 mrem dose limit for the fetus.

12. Pregnancy Policy During certain stages of development, the embryo/fetus is believed to be more sensitive to radiation damage than adults (rapidly dividing and undifferentiated cells are more sensitive to radiation damage). If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should contact the RSO for information on policies, risks and recommendations regarding exposure to radiation during pregnancy. You may also wish to formally declare your pregnancy for radiation protection purposes. If you become pregnant and are working with or around radioactive material or radiation producing equipment, you should also inform your supervisor.

13. Natural Background Radiation Natural Background Radiation

14. EXPOSURE LIMITS Background Background Background varies depending upon the altitude and ground and building materials. Background varies depending upon the altitude and ground and building materials. In Westchester, the annual dose received from background is 360 mrem/yr In Westchester, the annual dose received from background is 360 mrem/yr DOSE (mR/yr) SOURCE DOSE (mR/yr) SOURCE 0.3 ‑ 1 watching TV for 4 hours daily at 12 feet (x ‑ ray emission from screen) 0.3 ‑ 1 watching TV for 4 hours daily at 12 feet (x ‑ ray emission from screen) 4 reading glossy magazines for 1 hr/day (uranium and potassium in clay paper coating) 4 reading glossy magazines for 1 hr/day (uranium and potassium in clay paper coating) 5 eating 1 banana per day (potassium (K ‑ 40) in banana) 5 eating 1 banana per day (potassium (K ‑ 40) in banana) 10 living in a brick house instead of a wood one (potassium, uranium and thorium in clay in the bricks) 10 living in a brick house instead of a wood one (potassium, uranium and thorium in clay in the bricks) 70 living in Denver instead of at sea level (increased background radiation due to elevation and igneous rocks) 70 living in Denver instead of at sea level (increased background radiation due to elevation and igneous rocks) 100flying ~5000 miles per month (reduced atmospheric radiation shielding) 100flying ~5000 miles per month (reduced atmospheric radiation shielding) 100 ‑ 200 radon gas inhalation (national average) 100 ‑ 200 radon gas inhalation (national average) 100 ‑ 200 foods and fertilizers (naturally-occurring potassium(K ‑ 40) and uranium in 100 ‑ 200 foods and fertilizers (naturally-occurring potassium(K ‑ 40) and uranium in super-phosphate fertilizers super-phosphate fertilizers 150 medical technicians (yearly average) 150 medical technicians (yearly average) 170 flight crews (reduced atmospheric radiation shielding) 170 flight crews (reduced atmospheric radiation shielding) 2000 ‑ 5000 dose to lungs – smoking 1 pack of cigarettes/day polonium (Po-210) and lead (Pb-210) from U decay series from U decay series 2000 ‑ 5000 dose to lungs – smoking 1 pack of cigarettes/day polonium (Po-210) and lead (Pb-210) from U decay series from U decay series

15. Radiation Risk All radiation exposure is accompanied by some risk. All radiation exposure is accompanied by some risk. The lower the exposure, the lower the risk. The lower the exposure, the lower the risk. Keep exposure to radiation ALARA – Keep exposure to radiation ALARA – “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.”

16. Acute Exposure Risk Acute Exposure – Relatively high exposure over a short time Acute Exposure – Relatively high exposure over a short time Threshold for any effect - 100,000 mrem Threshold for any effect - 100,000 mrem Flu-like symptoms that self resolve in a few days Flu-like symptoms that self resolve in a few days (nausea, vomiting, malaise, headache, etc) (nausea, vomiting, malaise, headache, etc) LD 50/30 – 500,000 mrem (without medical treatment), 50% of the exposed will die in 30 days LD 50/30 – 500,000 mrem (without medical treatment), 50% of the exposed will die in 30 days

17. Chronic Exposure Risk Increases likelihood of cancer Increases likelihood of cancer US Cancer rate is approximately 25% US Cancer rate is approximately 25% Each 1000 mrem of exposure increases chance of cancer by 0.03% Each 1000 mrem of exposure increases chance of cancer by 0.03% (BIER V, United Nations)

18. How do we measure Radiation Dose ? We measure the dose received by radiation workers by reading their Dosimetry (radiation badges) each month We measure the dose received by radiation workers by reading their Dosimetry (radiation badges) each month Two types of dosimeters are available: a badge and a ring. Two types of dosimeters are available: a badge and a ring. Wear the badge face-out between your neck and waist Wear the badge face-out between your neck and waist Only wear the badge issued to you Only wear the badge issued to you Only wear the badge while at work Only wear the badge while at work Wear the ring on the index finger of your non-dominant hand Wear the ring on the index finger of your non-dominant hand Wear the ring with the barcode facing inward (towards your palm). Wear the ring with the barcode facing inward (towards your palm).

19. How do I keep my exposure low? Each Individual (this means YOU) is responsible to ensure that exposures are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Each Individual (this means YOU) is responsible to ensure that exposures are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Reduce Time in radiological area Reduce Time in radiological area Increase Distance to radioactive materials Increase Distance to radioactive materials Use Shielding between you and sources of radiation Use Shielding between you and sources of radiation

20. What Rules Should I Follow When Working In the Labs? What Rules Should I Follow When Working In the Labs? The risk of receiving a radiation overexposure from work practices on campus is minimal. The risk is no greater than other common activities such as using power tools, climbing a ladder or using electricity. By following a few basic rules, you can ensure you work safely while in areas posted with the radiation symbol: The risk of receiving a radiation overexposure from work practices on campus is minimal. The risk is no greater than other common activities such as using power tools, climbing a ladder or using electricity. By following a few basic rules, you can ensure you work safely while in areas posted with the radiation symbol: Follow all room postings carefully. Follow all room postings carefully. Announce yourself and state your purpose when entering the lab. Announce yourself and state your purpose when entering the lab. If no one is present in the lab, contact the Principal Investigator or lab supervisor. If no one is present in the lab, contact the Principal Investigator or lab supervisor. Ask lab personnel which areas of the lab, if any, should be avoided. Ask lab personnel which areas of the lab, if any, should be avoided. Do not handle anything labeled with the Radiation symbol (unless directed by Radiation Safety staff or the Principal Investigator). Do not handle anything labeled with the Radiation symbol (unless directed by Radiation Safety staff or the Principal Investigator).

21. What Should I Do If Equipment needs Repair or Service? What Should I Do If Equipment needs Repair or Service? Call Radiation Safety: x4078 Call Radiation Safety: x4078 You should never attempt to repair any equipment. You should never attempt to repair any equipment. Any equipment with a radiation symbol must be surveyed and declared free of contamination by Radiation Safety before repair or service can begin. This includes (but is not exclusive to): Any equipment with a radiation symbol must be surveyed and declared free of contamination by Radiation Safety before repair or service can begin. This includes (but is not exclusive to): All structures (tables, sinks, fume hoods, etc.) potentially contaminated with radioactive materials will be labeled with the Radiation Symbol. All structures (tables, sinks, fume hoods, etc.) potentially contaminated with radioactive materials will be labeled with the Radiation Symbol.

22. What Should I Do if There is an Emergency? What Should I Do if There is an Emergency? Call Radiation Safety: x4078 Call Radiation Safety: x4078 Injury - If there is a personal injury, follow normal emergency procedures and DISREGARD any concern about radiation exposure. The potential for receiving any measurable radiation dose is minimal. Injury - If there is a personal injury, follow normal emergency procedures and DISREGARD any concern about radiation exposure. The potential for receiving any measurable radiation dose is minimal. Render First Aid if trained and able - Medical Attention is ALWAYS the FIRST priority over exposure control. Render First Aid if trained and able - Medical Attention is ALWAYS the FIRST priority over exposure control.

23. What Should I Do If There is an Emergency? What Should I Do If There is an Emergency? Call Security: x4226 Call Security: x4226 Call Radiation Safety: x4078 Call Radiation Safety: x4078 Spills - If there is a spill in a radiation laboratory or any spill that involves radioactive material, do not attempt to clean up the spill yourself. Spills - If there is a spill in a radiation laboratory or any spill that involves radioactive material, do not attempt to clean up the spill yourself. Secure the area Secure the area Contact Radiation Safety (or Security on weekends or off- hours) Contact Radiation Safety (or Security on weekends or off- hours)

24. What are My RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES? NY State Notice to Employees Standards for Protection Against Radiation RIGHTS Periodic Training provided Periodic Training provided Annual exposure report provided upon request Annual exposure report provided upon request Termination exposure report provided upon request Termination exposure report provided upon requestRESPONSIBILITIES Keeping exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable Keeping exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable Follow NYMC and NYSDOH rules and regulations Follow NYMC and NYSDOH rules and regulations Observe the policies and procedures for your own protection and safety Observe the policies and procedures for your own protection and safety

25. Further Info For more information contact: Sarah Cottet Radiation Safety Officer, x3668 Sarah Cottet Radiation Safety Officer, x3668 Patricio Villalon Environmental/Radiation Specialist, x3292 Patricio Villalon Environmental/Radiation Specialist, x3292