Evaluation of X-Ray Radiation Levels in Radiology Departments of Two Educational Hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran

Introduction: The ionizing radiation is increasingly applied in various fields for industrial and medical purposes due to its benefits. The aim of this study was to measure the radiation levels in six radiology departments of two educational hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and Methods: The radiation levels were measured at six locations of six radiology departments, including behind the patient observation window, staff rest room, office, patient waiting room, behind the door of the X-ray room, and outdoor. These measurements were carried out while the X-ray equipment was in on and off status, using the halogen-quenched Geiger-Mueller counter. Results: According to the results, the range of radiation levels inside the radiology departments at X-ray units with on/off status were0.36±0.12 to 0.09±0.02 µSv/h and 0.13±0.02 to 0.09±0.03 µSv/h, respectively. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between the indoor and outdoor radiation levels in all locations.  Conclusion: As the findings indicated, the surveyed X-ray equipment in the radiology departments of two educational hospitals was safe. The radiation dose levels were within the safe recommended limits in all locations except two points due to some structural problems, which were recognized and would be corrected as soon as possible.