Quantifying radiation exposure from monitoring data
Under the auspices of the IDEAS project, which was funded within the Euratom Research and Training Programme, the IMIE program was developed. IMIE, or Individual Monitoring of the Internal Exposure, is a computer code which has been developed for the purpose of retrospective dosimetry, which is assessing the dose of radiation received by an individual after exposure. Through the program, the reconstruction of multiple intakes on the base of the body counter or bioassay data and known exposure conditions is addressed. Many different factors must be considered and assessed when considering radiation exposure; the route of intake, be it inhalation or ingestion, the type or types of radioactive material involved, the time of exposure, and if the exposure is chronic or acute. The program aims to provide data on the effects of known exposure conditions, and to allow comparisons to be made between different scenarios. The computer code requires the input of several variables. For example which radionuclides were involved, measurements assessing the extent of exposure obtained from faeces, urine or lung, or a combination, and the route of intake. The program analyses all parameter combinations to provide the best fitting exposure scenario. IMIE has a windows style layout, and is in fact compatible with windows systems. Graphical presentation is used for data and analysis, and simultaneous analysis of multiple data sets is possible. Dose intake is calculated using mathematical models and the data reported in table or graph form. The program gives the user the possibility to analyse and interpret bioassay measurements, which are the only tools available for assessing radiation exposure. Through the routine implementation of the program, standardised assessment of received doses can be made.
