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Authors:
R. Van Loon (1) and R. Van Tiggelen (2)
Full affiliation:
(1) Vrije Universiteit Brussel
(2) Belgian Museum of Radiology
Abstract:
Purpose. In the scientific education curriculum, ionising radiation and radiation protection (RP) is sparsely developed. A first contact with this topic from an historical viewpoint will familiarize the future professional or patient in a natural and easy understandable way, and take away the fear of this “invisible ray”.
Materials and methods. Based on the collection of documents and instruments of the museum, we present as example briefly the development of dosimetry and RP in medicine.
The radiation quality was established by absorption or potential measurements and by observation of the spectrum. We introduce and illustrate methods such as the “radiochromometer” and the “skiameter”, the spark gap “spintermeter”.The quantity was first related to tube current; then chemical methods such as the “chromoradiometer” and the “radiometer”appeared, and later “exotic”means, and conductivity, fluorescence, TLD and finally ionometric methods, leading to units such as the German R equal to 2.25 French R..
Conclusion. This overview and documents (for children, for waiting rooms) prepared by the Museum, the educational programs and possible guided tours completes the presentation and highlights the utility of such a unique collection, displayed within a radiology department.
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