ABSTRACT
The use of ionizing radiation and radioactive substances for diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic procedures in health care provides benefits to millions of people each year. Since ionizing radiation also has harmful effects, a radiation protection approach is needed. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has formulated the primary aim of radiation protection in general. It is “to contribute to an appropriate level of protection for people and the environment against the detrimental effects of radiation exposure without unduly limiting the desirable human actions that may be associated with such exposure” This chapter deals about principles for radiological protection and safety of patients, staff and the general public. It will also discuss the situation for persons who assist and support patients as well as for volunteers in biomedical research. A special section is devoted to pregnant and breast-feeding women among patients and staff members. How the principles for the radiation protection of the environment influence healthcare and the necessity to protect strong radiation sources will also be briefly discussed as will the importance of radiological protection and medical service in connection with radiological and nuclear emergencies. The chapter also describes a number of future actions that could improve radiation protection in medicine.
