skin dosimetry of some beta sources using the varskin2 code

introduction: skin dose and depth dose distribution of some beta sources that can contaminate skin or protective clothing covering the skin have been calculated using varskin2. materials and methods: in this research, absorbed dose to skin and depth dose from the skin surface have been calculated for 90sr/90y, 147pm, 32p beta emitter radioisotopes by using input parameters: activity of source, cover thickness, cover density, air gap thickness, radiation time and different source geometries. results: absorbed dose variation was calculated for beta sources in different source forms, namely, point, 2-d disk, cylindrical, spherical and slab sources. the results show that a cylindrical source causes the minimum damage to skin cells. therefore, this shape of source is the best with respect to radiation protection. discussion and conclusion: the varskin2 code is a very useful tool for skin dosimetry, as well being fast, accurate and user friendly. it can be used for dose optimization calculations especially for beta sources over human skin.