Shielding Techniques for Radiation Oncology Facilities, Second Edition
Author: Patton H. McGinleyISBN: 9781930524675
Published: 2002 | 184 pp | eBook
OUT OF PRINT
Radiology (Review of the First Edition) | May 1999
Review of the First Edition:
"Shielding requirements for medical linear accelerators and other radiation oncology equipment have traditionally been determined by using methods and data published more than 2 decades ago, primarily in reports 49 and 51 of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). Since then, both equipment and treatment techniques have changed considerably, as have regulatory guidelines for radiation exposure to the public. Numerous publications have appeared over the years to elucidate the effects of these changes on shielding techniques. This book provides a convenient distillation of updated information for radiation workers who are involved in shielding design. Dr. McGinley, whose contributions to the literature of radiation protection are well known in the field, presents this material in the form of a textbook that contains example calculations and problems.
"The book begins with a brief history of x-ray room shielding and describes the evolution of shielding techniques through the present day. This is followed by a long chapter on conventional photon shielding methods, which are based primarily on the techniques and nomenclature of NCRP reports 49 and 51. Valuable updated information on realistic workload estimates and beam attenuation characteristics of commonly used megavoltage machines is also provided. Common shielding materials and barrier dimensions are discussed in separate sections.
"The subject of conventional maze design is covered in a chapter that combines the original data of NCRP report 51 with information from more recent publications, including some original work by Dr. McGinley, to provide a more reliable approach to this difficult problem. Clear examples illustrate the calculation techniques and data needed to determine required door shielding for megavoltage photon beams.
"The author devotes considerable space to the important problem of neutron shielding and includes discussions of neutron production in high-energy medical accelerators, exposure regulations, and materials effective in neutron shielding. A second chapter on maze design concentrates on neutron and capture gamma ray shielding at high-energy room doors. A short chapter discusses the problems that arise when metals are used together with concrete for megavoltage beam shielding.
"Chapter 2, ''Special Topics,'' presents a diverse collection of subjects such as skyshine, ozone production, air activation, and uncommon shielding materials under a single heading. A separate chapter is devoted to the less challenging shielding requirements of radiation therapy simulators and brachytherapy procedures. A final chapter provides recommendations for shielding design documentation and survey and inspection reports.
"This book is well written and organized, contains high-quality printing and binding, and is reasonably priced. Although the material is presented in textbook form for senior- and graduate-level students, the figures, tables, and discussions provide a wealth of useful information for most practicing radiation physicists, as well." Robert D. Zwicker