Risk perception among the workers in radiotherapy facilities located in North Eastern States, India

Abstract

In the radiotherapy practice, regulator defines risk in terms of physically measurable quantities and attempt to implement the results obtained from the risk assessment of this practice, using quantitative approach. Although such approach has significantly brought down radiation dose, injuries and fatalities to the workers as compared to the radiotherapy practices before World War II, the objectivity concept of risk that limits the assessment regarding physically measurable quantities is widely urged throughout the world. This study examined how the risk associated with radiotherapy practice has been perceived, and experienced by both professional and non-professional workers in the radiotherapy facilities located in Manipur, Meghalaya, and Assam. This study found that professional and nonprofessional workers exhibited different risk perception on the same physical risk. Such different risk perceptions influenced the establishment of radiological protection systems in the facility. Non-professional workers are more likely to be the affected group in a facility having weak radiological protection systems.