Fuzzy Analysis of Gamma Radiation Exposure Damage Levels for Medical Staff in Nuclear Medicine Centers

Subject Areas : biophsics

Fataneh Taghizadeh Farahmand ^{1 *} , Sahebeh Farahmand Ghorban ² , Parviz Zobdeh ³

1 - Department of Physics, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
2 - Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
3 - Department of Radiomedicine, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

Received: 2024-04-17 Accepted : 2024-04-19 Published : 2025-04-02

Keywords: Keywords: Gamma radiation, nuclear medicine, fuzzy logic, medical staff, Mamdani fuzzy inference system.,

Abstract :

Objective: Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, for diagnosing and treating diseases. In this field, gamma photon-emitting radioisotopes are employed for medical imaging and organ scanning. Adherence to safety standards is critical to ensure that the benefits of these procedures outweigh their risks. Given the essential presence of medical staff in nuclear facilities, their prolonged exposure to gamma radiation poses significant health hazards. Risk assessment requires defining influential parameters, which often involve uncertainty. Fuzzy logic, by accounting for such uncertainties, provides a more optimal solution compared to conventional methods.

Materials and Methods: This study utilized fuzzy logic methodology, incorporating graphical tools in MATLAB software. Input parameters included safety protocols (e.g., radiation warning signs, lead shielding thickness in exposure rooms, availability of dosimeters, personal protective equipment for staff, and contact with medicated patients), while the output parameter was the damage level. Expert-defined rules and the Mamdani fuzzy inference system were applied to evaluate gamma radiation risks for medical staff.

Findings: The fuzzy system-based evaluation of gamma radiation hazards across
five selected nuclear medicine centers in Iran revealed damage levels ranging between
10 and 13. All assessed centers fell within the medium-risk category, with Center No. 5 exhibiting the highest risk score of 13.

Conclusion: Center No. 5 demonstrated the greatest risk among the evaluated facilities. Strict compliance with all safety measures is imperative; otherwise, medical staff may face long-term health issues associated with gamma radiation exposure.

 

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