WHO’s Global Initiative on Radiation Safety in Health Care Settings

摘要

Advances in medical radiation technology have resulted in significant gains in the diagnosis andtreatment of human diseases. Medical use of ionizing radiation has become by far the largest artificial source ofradiation exposure. Although individual cancer risk associated with diagnostic exposures is low, overallexposure is becoming a public health concern due to the widespread use of radiation in health care settings,which is foreseen to continue rising. According to its global health mandate, WHO has an important role to playin preventing unjustified exposures while promoting and ensuring safe use of radiation in medicine. In order tounderscore its commitment to this field, WHO started a global initiative on Radiation Safety in Health CareSettings to support Member States in the implementation of the international radiation safety standards inmedicine. This new initiative will bring together key stakeholders, including international organizations,professional and scientific societies, health authorities and policy makers. Actions of the initiative will focus onpublic health aspects related to risks and benefits of diagnostic radiology, image guided interventions,radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. Based on a scientific evidence, special consideration will be given to criticalsub-populations (e.g. children and pregnant women), to high dose procedures and to unintended exposures.Practical materials focusing on the justification and optimization principles of radiation protection will bedeveloped and disseminated, such as evidence-based good practice manuals. In addition, advocacy andcommunication tools will be produced and made available widely. Contribution to the development of educationand training programs will be also considered.