Polymer gel dosimeters with reduced toxicity

Abstract

In this work, potential new monomers are evaluated for use in new dosimeters that are safer and therefore more convenient to use than polyacrylamide gel. Acrylamide is a severe neurotoxin, and a suspected human carcinogen and teratogen that is readily absorbed through the skin. Three new polymer gel recipes were investigated using less toxic monomers with chemical structures similar to acrylamide. The dose-response of the 6%T, 50%C dosimeters were analysed using NMR and optical methods, for conditions of varying dose, dose rate, time post-irradiation, and temperature during irradiation and scanning. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.