Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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A preliminary evaluation of the implementation of a radiation protection program for the lens of the eye in Korean nuclear power plants

  • Kong, Tae Young (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Kim, Si Young (Central Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.) ;
  • Cho, Moonhyung (Central Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.) ;
  • Jung, Yoonhee (Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science) ;
  • Son, Jung Kwon (Central Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.) ;
  • Jang, Han (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Kim, Hee Geun (Division of Energy & Electrical Engineering, Uiduk University)
  • Received : 2020.07.13
  • Accepted : 2021.04.01
  • Published : 2021.09.25
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Abstract

Epidemiological research has revealed that radiation exposure can cause cataracts. The Korean nuclear regulatory body has proposed the reduction of the occupational dose limit for the lens of the eye from 150 mSv/y to 100 mSv/5y, with an additional limitation of not exceeding 50 mSv/y for a specific year, taking into account the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. This means that radiation workers should receive the same level of radiation safety for the lens of the eye as for whole-body protection. Korean nuclear power plants (NPPs) are conducting research to establish the radiation protection program for the lens of the eye. In terms of the preliminary results of the implementation of the radiation protection program for the lens of the eye dedicated to Korean NPPs, this review article summarizes the current state of understanding of the regulations, technical guidance, eye lens dosimeters, and radiation field conditions resulting in lens dose.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by research fund from Chosun University, 2020.

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