No abstract available

[en] The stochastic effects of radiation in man and the non-stochastic effects of some important or characteristic nuclear accidents that have taken place up to April 1986, are described. The stochastic effects can be estimated from the collective dose that is from the number of exposed people and the dose to each one of them, according to the health hazards, as estimated by the International Commission for Radiological Protection and other international Organizations. A nuclear accident might be severe from a medical point of view even if the effects of radiation to the health are not expected to be significant. Serious mental stress might be induced to the general public and this is more likely to happen if the competent authorities do not take any action, or sometimes if they enforce unnecessary countermeasures. The pre-Chernobyl important nuclear accidents which affected large numbers of the general public are the Windscale and the Three Mile Island accidents. They are briefly described

No abstract available

[en] This paper presents the Medical Physics Department-Radon Dosemeter (MPD-RD). A calibration technique is introduced and the results of the calibration of the MPD-RDs are reported. A method for stabilising the radon concentration was employed and checked. The results showed that the MPD-RDs respond exponentially with time and linearly to exposures. (author)

No abstract available

[en] Quality control was implemented in 52 dental intra-oral X ray units in use in the public and private sector in Hellas. The protocol consisted of visual inspection of the X ray unit, complete registration of the unit's characteristics, measurement of the unit's radiological parameters, inspection of the radiation protection facilities for patient and personnel and examination of film processing conditions. The results are characterised by the large number of old X ray units, the great variability in entrance surface doses and linearity of output and the absence of strict patient and operator radiation protection measures. Analogue exposure timers have very poor accuracy compared to digital ones. Imaging techniques and film processing do not always comply with standards among dentists. In view of the above, the implementation of a Quality Control programme, including reference doses, which could, for example, be selected according to the results of this paper, is strongly recommended in Dental Radiology in Hellas. (author)

[en] Several techniques have been developed to measure radon indoors.The use of a Solid State Nuclear Track Detector closed in a cup, has turned out to be the most appropriate for long term measurements. The Medical Physics Department of the Athens University is carrying out radon measurements in dwellings, apartments, outdoor air and mines since 1996. For this purpose a simple device, the so called Medical Physics Department radon dosimeter, has been constructed, which measures the radon concentration averaged over a long period of time. In the present paper the calibration technique introduced and the results of the calibration of the Medical Physics Department. (authors)

[en] The commission appointed a panel of six independent experts to evaluate its Radiation Protection Research Programmes (1980-84 and 1985-89). The evaluation was carried out according to the guidelines specified by the Council Resolution on the evaluation of R and D programmes (O.J. C213, 09.08.1983), and further developed by the Commission's Plan of Action on Evaluation (O.J. C2(1), 06.01.1987). The scientific evaluation was carried out separately for each of the six sectors of the programme ant the post-Chernobyl actions. The management and socio-economic evaluation was based on discussions with Commission and national officials, programme contractors and site visits to laboratories in the member states. A questionnaire was used to survey scientists involved in the programme

[en] A pilot study was carried out in order to measure air concentrations of radon 222 and 220 isotopes in Athenian houses, as a first step of a national survey in Greece. In this paper the authors deal with radon concentration in air and water and will rely on measurements conducted in Greece. (author)

[en] Abstract only