ICNIRP/WHO Workshop on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection in Medicine
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) organizes jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO) a workshop on “Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection in Medicine” in Bonn, Germany, on December 2, 2012.
The workshop on “NIR in Medicine” will cover medical as well as cosmetic applications from all frequency ranges of the non-ionizing electromagnetic spectrum as well as ultrasound. The benefit from NIR use in medicine, such as MRI for diagnostic and interventional imaging, is well recognized, especially in view of the alternative use of ionizing radiation. However, while a key aspect of ionizing radiation protection is optimization through dose reduction, the development of NIR technologies still focuses on image quality improvements without consideration of the ever increasing exposure levels for both health care workers and patients. Also the increasing use of NIR applications such as ultrasound and intense pulsed light (IPL) for cosmetic and wellness business by lay persons call for a closer look at health and safety aspects.
The workshop will review the current status of radiation protection as well as trends in development, identify gaps in knowledge of possible health effects and address patient as well as medical staff safety.