Fast neutron therapy at Edinburgh: staff protection

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Abstract
The major hazards encountered by staff using neutrons for radiotherapy were discussed. Specific reference was made to the experience gained at the MRC Cyclotron Unit at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, using neutrons generated by the d(15 MeV) + Be reaction. The neutron therapy facility consisted of a cyclotron and a fixed horizontal and an isocentric therapy beam, and staff protection during 5 yr operation was reviewed. Levels of induced activity in the cyclotron and therapy equipment were reported and problems of radioactive contamination discussed. Summaries of whole-body and finger dose equivalents received by engineering staff, and of whole-body dose equivalents received by physics and radiography staff, were presented and analyzed. Although doses received by staff were higher than for staff in an X-ray facility, they were all well below the maximum permissible levels, and radioactive contamination of staff was minimal.