Risk perception of radiation emergency medical staff on low-dose radiation exposure: Knowledge is a critical factor. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Younghyun; Choi, You Yeon; Yang, Mihyun; Jin, Young Woo; Seong, Ki Moon
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 227(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Radiation emergency medical staff -- Radiation risk -- Risk perception -- Radiation knowledge -- Low-dose radiation; REM Radiation emergency medical -- LDR low-dose ration; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: Radiation emergency medical (REM) staff respond to many types of disasters such as radiological and nuclear accidents as well as environmental radioactivity exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk perception of REM staff on radiation exposure in various situations and to analyze the factors that affect their risk perception. A questionnaire was given to 284 REM staff affiliated with various organizations, including nuclear power generation, nuclear fuel manufacturing, large-scale irradiation, and radiation-waste disposal facilities, as well as research and development institutions. To determine the substantially influential factors for risk perception, we analyzed the questionnaire responses using ordinal logistic regression, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation analyses. It was generally perceived by REM staff that low-dose radiation exposure in daily life and work environments does not pose any health risks. A higher level of radiation knowledge was tightly associated with a lower risk perception of REM staff on extremely low-dose (several mSv) radiation exposure, thus exhibiting an inverse correlation. In contrast to radiation researchers, the work experience of REM staff was not a contributing factor to their risk perception. In our study, REM staff with a high level of radiation knowledge did not have any health concerns in their work environments. Efforts to enhance the radiation knowledge of REM staff through proper education and training would result in analytical risk evaluation, which may also improve their willingness to help meet surge capacity needs in large-scale radiological events. Highlights: Radiation emergency medical staff were surveyed about the risk perception. It was agreed that low dose radiation exposure does not pose any health risks. Staff with a higher level of knowledge were less concerned about radiation risks.