Radiation Therapy Side Effects

Protection. It must never be overlooked that there are definite professional risks associated with radium therapy. The foremost of these is due to careless handling of unfiltered radium. Lack of precaution in this regard is a pernicious habit leading to the possibility of serious injury to the fingers. No radium tube or plaque should ever be touched with the hands; all manipulations should be carried out with forceps. In applying a plaque to a patient, it should be held in place with forceps until necessary strapping can be done. If a distance block is to be used, it should be affixed to the patient, and then the radium applicator secured in place, rather than attaching the radium to the block before it is applied. Threading of radium needles should be done with the active portion inserted into a lead block; the thread or wire should be held with forceps. If much radium or radon is to be handled, a proper work bench should be provided, with a lead screen sufficiently thick to afford protection to the body of the operator. Lead rubber gloves and aprons afford no appreciable protection against gamma rays. It may be that the gloves are of some service in handling beta ray sources, but it is probable that they make the operator so clumsy that manipulations cannot be adequately carried out. Dexterity and speed are important. Each individual responsible for the preparation of radium applicators should be assisted to work out satisfactory techniques, and these should be adhered to. Radium not in use should be kept in lead boxes distant from the personnel. Suitable treatment rooms should be provided so that patients with radium applied do not remain in the vicinity of medical or clerical staff members.