Tips for decreasing the Radiation exposure to the healthcare provider

Time 
Decreasing the amount of time you are exposed to medical radiation will automatically decrease your dose, if all other factors are the same. This means thorough pre-procedure planning to increase efficiency and streamline the workflow during the procedure, intimate knowledge of the devices and/or radioactive materials used during the exam, and a healthy respect for the power of radiation beams that you can't see.


Distance
When you increase your distance from the radiation source, your amount of radiation exposure is reduced by a square of the distance. For instance, if you move 2 feet away, your exposure level decreases by a factor of 22, or 4. While there are practical limits to how much distance you can put between yourself and the radiation source, even a small increase can be beneficial. The Inverse Square Principle makes distance one of the best safeguards in reducing dose. Even one step back from the imaging field can have a profound effect on reducing exposure from scatter.


Shielding
The appropriate material for adequate shielding from radiation depends on the type of radiation being used. For many medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans, lead shielding is used. This can be lead aprons worn by radiological technologists and radiologists, or lead aprons draped from the procedure table to act as a barrier between the radiation source and the healthcare provider. Some people prefer not to use the recommended shielding protocols because shielding equipment can be inconvenient, bulky, uncomfortable, and time-consuming to put on and take off. For instance, lead aprons and thyroid shields can get heavy and cause strain when worn for long periods of time, and goggles can be difficult to get used to. However, these measures are critical for safe radiation use, and many are mandated by regulatory authorities. In addition, one should always wear a monitor badge and follow institutional guidelines for having it read. Never take shortcuts when it comes to radiation safety.

Lead shielding for Radiation

Lead is used for shielding in x-ray machines, nuclear power plants, labs, military equipment, and other places radiation may be encountered. There is great variety in the types of shielding available both to protect people and to shield equipment and experiments. Personal shielding includes lead aprons (such as the familiar garment used during dental x-rays), thyroid shields, and lead gloves. There are also a variety of shielding devices available for laboratory equipment, including lead castles, structures composed of lead bricks, and lead pigs, thick containers for storing and transporting radioactive samples.



Criteria for the Selection of a Shield Material
Theoretically, almost any material can be used for radiation shielding if employed in a thickness sufficient to attenuate the radiation to safe limits. However, due to certain characteristics discussed below, lead and concrete are among the most commonly used materials. The choice of the shield material is dependent upon many varied factors, such as final desired attenuated radiation levels, ease of heat dissipation, resistance to radiation damage, required thickness and weight, multiple use considerations (e.g., shield and/or structural), uniformity of shielding capability, permanence of shielding, and availability.



Properties of "Lead for Radiation Shielding"
The properties of Lead which make it an excellent shielding material are its density, high atomic number, high level of stability, ease of fabrication, high degree of flexibility in application, and its availability.





For gamma rays and x rays, lead is a particularly effective shield because lead has a high atomic number (Z) of 82. The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom. Since the number of protons per atom of lead is large, the number of electrons is also large, and it is the electrons that stop gamma rays and x rays. So, density, thickness, and atomic number can all be important. 

Shielding reduces the intensity of gamma rays and x rays in an exponential manner (more or less). In other words, a shield reduces the intensity of the radiation getting through, but it might never stop all the gamma rays (at least theoretically). What I am saying is that the phrase "complete protection" in the question might be better changed to "almost complete protection" because some gammas have the potential to get through any shield (in theory). I recognize I am splitting hairs here. 





Forms of "Lead Used for Radiation Shielding"

• Lead Brick - Convenient, easily handled; may be moved and re-used
• Lead Sheet – Plate and Slab Permanent shield installations
• Lead Shot - Where solid Lead is impractical to fill due to location, shape and accessibility. The Shots offers convenient solutions for shielding
• Lead Wool - Lead Wool is used for filling deep cracks in a Radiation barrier
• Lead Pipe - Shielding of radioactive liquids
• Lead-lined / Lead-clad Pipe - Shielding of radioactive liquids
• Lead Powder - Dispersed in rubber or plastic for flexible shielding; also mixed with concrete and asbestos cement
• Leaded Glass
• Lead Plate
• Lead Pigs
• Custom Lead Fabrication and Lead Casting

LEAD GLASS (X-RAY GLASS, RADIATION SHIELDING GLASS, LEADED GLASS) STANDARD SIZES


8" x 10"
10" x 12"
12" x 12"
12" x 16"
12" x 24"
12" x 36"
16" x 24"
18" x 24"
24" x 24"
24" x 48"
30" x 24"
30" x 30"
32" x 40"
36" x 24"
36" x 30"
36" x 36"
40" x 40"
40" x 42"
42" x 42"
48" x 36"
48" x 40"
48" x 42"
48" x 48"
60" x 36"
60" x 40"
60" x 42"
60" x 48"
72" x 36"
72" x 40"
72" x 42"
72" x 48"
84" x 36"
84" x 40"
84" x 42"
96" x 42"
96" x 48"
108" x 54"

Fertility and Sexual Issues of Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy in the region of the pelvis can affect your fertility and your sex drive. It's also important not to try to become pregnant during radiation therapy because radiation can hurt the fetus. Radiation therapy of the pelvic region can cause women to stop having menstrual periods and to experience other symptoms of menopause. It's important to talk with your doctor about what kind of effect radiation might have on your ability to have children in the future.


In men, radiation in an area that includes the testes can affect the sperm count as well as the functionality of the sperm. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't father a child. But if you want to have children later, you should talk with your doctor about considering the use of a sperm bank before treatment begins.


Treatment to the pelvis can cause sexual intercourse to be painful for some women and can also cause scarring that affects the ability of the vagina to stretch. In men, radiation can affect the nerves and blood vessels that make an erection possible. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor before treatment begins to learn about your options and possible outcomes.


It's natural to have less interest in sex when undergoing treatment for cancer. But typically your sex drive will reawaken after treatment stops. Talk with your spouse and share your concerns about the need for being close.

Four main ways to protect from radiation

There are four main ways to protect the human body from harmful levels of radiation:

• Distance - physically keeping away from the source; 
• Time - limiting the amount of time spent near the source;
• Shielding - providing barriers, such as lead, concrete or water between the person and the source; and
• Containment - keeping radioactive materials in small, confined facilities with reduced air pressure to avoid leakage into the environment.

Risks of Radiation

Radiation naturally occurs in our environment. It occurs in the air we breathe, our homes, our food, our bones and tissues, and in the earth. We are exposed to radiation when we watch television, when we sunbathe, and even during air travel.


For people who fear radiation, it may be comforting to know that almost 90% of radiation we receive is natural, and only 11% of our annual radiation exposure is man-made radiation, which is almost entirely as a result of medical diagnosis and treatment. This exposure has obvious benefits to society, and would not happen if the benefits did not outweigh the risks. Large doses of ionising radiation  are used to kill tumours, kill bacteria in food, and sterilise medical equipment. Extremely high doses of radiation can, however, also cause cell damage, and a consequent breakdown in vital body functions. Radiation does not make our bodies radioactive, and it is possible for cells to recover naturally from radiation, depending of course, on the type, amount and length of exposure.


Background and man-made radiation are a minimal risk to general society. However, safety must be very carefully managed for those working in the mining and power-generating industries. Routine nuclear power-related activities, such as electricity generation, only amount to 0.006% of annual exposure, however, precautions need to be taken whilst mining and working with nuclear reactors.


For miners, the main radioactive hazard is from the minerals associated with uranium. Uranium minerals emit gamma radiation. Alpha radiation and radon gas escape into the area when the ore is mined and crushed. Mining and crushing creates dust when rock is broken up. Dust is controlled to prevent miners from inhaling radioactive particles. Therefore, dust control and ventilation is a high priority because radon gas is also emitted from the ore and poses a risk if breathed in. For miners, inhalation is a primary means of exposure to radiation.


Risk is minimised by:

• Ventilation.
• Face masks, and helmets with visors and airflow.
• Using remote controlled machinery so that the worker is removed from the radiation source.
• Dust control.

Over time, risks have been managed by mining company safety policies, standards and programs and with the on-going development of government codes and regulations.


Source: http://www.uraniumsa.org

What will be Indias long term Position ?

India has had a gloomy 2012. Since the dawn of the year, it has seen its stock markets take the route of a roller coaster. Policy paralysis and government inefficiencies have become everyday phrases. Interest rates have been blamed for a slowdown in investments. And inflation has reared its ugly head all over again. As a result, investors and experts have started to rethink their India focused investment strategy. After all sub 8% GDP growth rates do not sound attractive to anyone. But even through this seemingly unsolvable mess there is one man who continues to believe in India. And this is the same man who correctly predicted the crisis of 2008. The man is none other than the famous economist Jim Walker. 


In an interview to a leading daily, he has stated that "Indian companies and the country as a whole are an excellent long term investment." Despite the hiccups described above, he feels that as long as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) continues to do its job, the long term strength of the country remains intact. But he has added a caveat that this is possible only when the government follows the footsteps of the RBI and does its job as well. In his opinion the recent move by the RBI to leave the interest rates unchanged would add pressure on the government. It has been forced into accepting that it cannot rely exclusively on the RBI policies to drive investment growth in the country. It has to do its job through policy reforms and give the economy a general direction for growth. Unless this happens, the dismal growth rates that we saw in recent times would become worrisome and predictable. 


Therefore, he has suggested that foreign investors should look at buying Indian market ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) in US dollars. This would help mitigate the negative impact of the falling rupee. While Mr Walker's advice is more focused on the international investors, his message can be used by the domestic investors as well. The message is clear and simple. The long term case for India remains positive. Therefore prudently select the stocks based on their fundamental strengths and hold on to them for a long term horizon. In the short term there will be hiccups. But in the long term the handsome returns would make all the short term pains worthwhile. 

List of banks in Qatar

Qatar Central Bank
P.O. Box No. 1234 Doha, Qatar 
Tel: + (974) 4445-6456

Qatar National Bank

Main Branch

Cornich Road

Tel:(+974) 440 7777

Fax: (+974) 441 5020

Website: http://www.qnb.com.qa

Email: ccsupport@qnb.com.qa

Bank Saderat Iran

PO Box 2256, Doha 

Tel 974 4414646, Fax 974 4430121

Al Ahli Bank of Qatar

Suhim Bin Hamad Street, P.O.Box. 2309, Doha

Tel: 4232507, Fax: 4130992

Weekly working days: 7.30 am – 1.00 pm (Sunday to Thursday)

Website: http://www.ahlibank.com.qa

Email: info@ahlibank.com.qa

Mashreq Bank Qatar

P.O. Box 173, Old Al-Maghreb Area, Jabor Bin Mohammed Street, Doha

Tel +974 4413213, Fax +974 4413880

Website: http://www.mashreqbank.com.qa

Doha Bank Limited

PO Box: 30828 

Tel +974 4715634/4715631 Fax +974 4715618/31

Website: http://www.dohabank.com.qa

HSBC Qatar

Tel 442 HSBC ( 442 4722) / 4382100

Banque Paribas - Qatar

Al Fardan Office Tower, 6th Floor, 61 Al Funduq Street 

Diplomatic District, West Bay, PO Box 2636 Doha - Qatar

Tel : (+974) 4 537537 Fax: (+974) 4 537453

Central Bank Qatar

P.O. Box No. 1234 Al Corniche Area Doha 

Tel: + (974) 445-6456 Fax: + 974 443-0490

Website: http://www.hsbc.com.qa

United Bank Limited

PO Box No 242 Doha 

Tel +974-4254444 Fax +974-4254401 Email: doha_branch@ublme.com

Qatar Islamic Bank

Call Center: Tel. 4448444

Website: http://www.qib.com.qa

Email: info@qib.com.qa

Qatar Industrial Development Bank

Grand Hamad Street PO Box 22789 

Tel 4421600 Fax 4350433 

Email contact@qdb.org.qa

Arab Bank

Tel : 438 7878

Website: http://www.arabbank.com.qa

Email: DohaContact@arabbank.com

Standard Chartered Bank Qatar

Doha Main Branch Abdulla bin Jassim Street, P.O. Box 29 Doha, Qatar

Tel + 974 4414252 / +974 4410973

Website: http://www.standardchartered.com.qa

Email: contact form available on website

The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ)

Head Office Suhaim Bin Hamad Street PO Box 2001 Doha 

Tel: +974 4447 8000 Fax: +974 4447 3745

Website: http://www.ibq.com.qa

The Commercial Bank of Qatar

Head Office: Grand Hamad Street PO Box 3232, Doha State of Qatar 

Telephone: +974 449 0000 Facsimile: +974 449 0070 Telex: 4351 TEJARI DH 

Swift Code : CBQAQAQA

Website: http://www.cbq.com.qa

Email: info@cbq.com.qa

Barwa Bank

Main Branch

Grand Hamad Street

Tel: (+974) 800 8555

Fax: (+974) 448 8889

Website: http://www.barwabank.com

Email: customerservice@barwabank.com

Al Khaliji Bank

Main Branch

Asia Street 60, West Bay

Tel: (+974) 494 0000

Fax: (+974) 494 0808

Website: http://www.alkhaliji.com

Email: info@alkhaliji.com

Masraf Al Rayan

Main Branch

Grand Hamad Street

Tel: (+974) 425 3333

Fax: (+974) 425 3312

Website: http://www.alrayan.com

Email: info@alrayan.com

UK central bank on money printing spree

Since the global financial crisis struck in 2008, central governments in the developed world chose to bank on quantitative easing to kick start growth. This was in the form of money printing, easing interest rates and the likes. None of these measures helped these economies recover in any meaningful way. But that has not stopped governments from focusing on money printing anyway. The latest to announce another round of stimulus measures is the Bank of England. It plans to pump in another £50 bn into UK's stalled economy. Since the financial crisis hit in 2008, the Bank of England has already bought £325 bn worth of assets in two rounds. Obviously, recession in the country coupled with the deepening Eurozone crisis has taken its toll on the UK economy. Further, elsewhere the European Central Bank (ECB) and the People's Bank of China cut interest rates in response to the global slowdown. This may also have prompted the Bank of England to go in for this move. Th at said, it seems unlikely that this round of money printing will achieve much for the UK economy based on past evidence, except that it will sow the seeds of inflation going forward. 

List of Banks in Kuwait

Central Bank of Kuwait
Tel +(965) 22449200
Fax: +(965) 22440887
Email: cbk@cbk.gov.kw
http://www.cbk.gov.kw/


Industrial Bank of Kuwait
Joint Banking Complex
Darwaza Abdul-Razak Roundabout
Ahmad Al-Jaber Street
Al-Sharq, Kuwait
Postal address: 
PO Box 3146,
SAFAT Kuwait 13032
Tel: +965 844446 / 2457661 
Fax: +965 2406595
Email: ibk@ibkuwt.com
http://www.ibkuwt.com/



Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Ahmed Al JAber Street,
Safat Square, 
P.O. Box 1387
Safat 12014
Tel: +965 22400900
Fax: +965 22417284
 www.eahli.com/abk
Email: headoffice@abkuwait.com



Bank Boubyan
PO Box 95
13001 Safat Kuwait
Tel 1801801 
Fax 22246609
mainbr@burgan.com.kw
Bank Boubyan Branches and ATM Locations



Gulf Bank
Corporate Banking 
Telephone: +965 2244 9501 Ext 2655
Treasury 
Telephone: +965 2240 8522
Fax: +965 2244 7672
International Clients 
Telephone: +965 22446398
Fax: +965 22412849
customerservice@gulfbank.com.kw
http://www.gulfbank.com.kw/


National Bank of Kuwait
PO Box 95
13001 Safat Kuwait
Tel 1801801 
Fax 22246609
 Webmaster@nbk.com
National Bank of Kuwait Branches and ATM Locations



Commercial Bank of Kuwait
Call Center 1888225 or 1888-CBK
Mubarak Al Kabeer Street,
Kuwait City
T : 2411001
F : 2464870
 bm01@banktijari.comView Commercial Bank of Kuwait Branches and ATM Locations



Bank of Kuwait and Middle East
P.O.Box 71, Safat 13001 
Switchboard Number 
965-1802000 
TLX 22045BKMEKT 
Fax: 965-22461430 
 www.bkme.com
 bkmekw@bkme.com


Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
Tel: (965) 241-7140/ 241-7147
Fax: (965) 244-0937
Telex: 23220/44043/ KUWBBK
http://www.bbkonline.com.kw



Kuwait Finance House
Abdullah Al-Mubarak Street
P.O.Box : 24989 Code 13110
Tel: 22445050 / 22423068
Fax: 22469756 / 22464124
View Kuwait Finance House Branches and ATM Locations



Burgan Bank
Customer Care: 1 80 40 80
Operator: +965 2298 8000
P.O.Box 5389 Al Safat 12170
View Burgan Bank Branches and ATM Locations


Citibank Kuwait
Ahmed Tower, Building No 1
Corner of Arabian Gulf Street/Al Mulla Street Sharq
P.O. Box 26027
Safat 13121, Kuwait
Tel: 965-2594000 
Fax: +965-2594001
Email: alvita.saldanha@citi.com
http://www.cbk.gov.kw/