For "declared" pregnant women, the dose to the embryo/fetus shall not exceed 500 mrem for the duration of the pregnancy, AND remain less than 50 mrem per month.
If a pregnant woman wants the protection of this limit, she is required by 105 CMR 120.218 to declare the pregnancy in writing to the Institute. This declaration is voluntary. According to Section 2.3 of the NRC Regulatory Guide 8.7, "Instructions for Recording and Reporting Occupational Radiation Exposure Data", a written declaration should include:
 | the woman's name |
| the month and year of conception |
| estimated delivery date |
| her signature |
Declarations should be brought directly to the Radiation Safety Office to help ensure confidentiality. In some cases however, protective measures prescribed by the RSO in order for the woman/fetus to stay below the indicated limits may require a reassignment of duties, restricting or eliminating the use of radioactive materials. In those cases, other DFCI staff, such as the woman's Supervisor and/or Permit Holder and the Human Resources Department may have to be notified.
When a woman declares her pregnancy, the RSO will provide her with a copy of Regulatory Guide 8.13, "Instruction Concerning Prenatal Exposure" and will issue additional dosimetry to specifically monitor the embryo/fetus. The fetal badge is exchanged monthly (compared to every two months in most departments) and is to be worn on the lower abdominal area. At the time of declaration, the RSO will also remind the woman about the need for good ALARA radiation safety practices (using time, distance and shielding) and about vigilant monitoring of themselves and surrounding work areas.
If you want to discuss your options (about declaring pregnancy), please contact the RSO.
NOTE: The fetal and 'whole body' badges are incredibly sensitive,
if used properly. The most important factor affecting the radiation
measurement sensitivity is whether or not the badge is RETURNED ON TIME.
If your badge is returned late, it will not be shipped with the 'control' badges, so its
readings cannot be corrected for the exposure to X-rays received in transit.
To return to the Radiation Safety Homepage, click here.
(ver. 09Aug04: EBA)