Undesirable nuclear reactions and induced radioactivity as a result of the use of the high-energy therapeutic beams generated by medical linacs

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2008;128(2):133-45. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncm318. Epub 2007 Jun 14.

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of undesirable photonuclear, electronuclear and neutron capture reactions taking place in the treatment room during emission of the typical high-energy therapeutic beams from two different medical accelerators, i.e. Primus Siemens and Varian Clinac-2300, is presented. The radioisotopes (187)W, (56)Mn, (28)Al, (57)Ni, (38)Cl, (57)Co and (19)Au and the neutron activation of (1)H were identified as a consequence of these reactions. Moreover, the increased photon fluence rate behind the door of the accelerator bunker in the operator console room was observed during emission of the 20 MV X-rays from the Varian Clinac-2300 as well as in the case of the 15 MV X-ray beam from the Primus Siemens. No increased radiation was observed during the 6 MV X-ray beam emission. The performed measurements produced evidences on the presence of neutrons in the operator console room during emission of the 15 MV X-ray beam from the Primus Siemens as well as the 20 MV X-rays and the 22 MeV electrons from the Varian Clinac-2300 accelerator.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Safety
  • Humans
  • Neutrons / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
  • Particle Accelerators / instrumentation*
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods*
  • Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Radioisotopes / chemistry
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy / adverse effects*
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy / instrumentation*
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods

Substances

  • Radioisotopes