What is ionising radiation?

John Tuffy, HIQA Regional Manager (Ionising Radiation) explains what ionising radiation is and describes the potential for damage to cells and tissues in those exposed to radiation. For each exposure to ionising radiation, the benefit for carrying out an exposure must always outweigh the potential detriment the exposure can cause.
Introduction of new legislation promoting radiation protection measures will help regulate the practices and procedures that a patient receives as part of their diagnosis or treatment in line with national legislation.
Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom was transposed into Irish law as European Union (Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Dangers Arising from Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2018.
The regulations define new minimum safety requirements to protect individuals from hazards associated with medical exposures to ionising radiation.
A medical exposure to ionising radiation is when a patient receives ionising radiation as part of their diagnosis or treatment. It also includes exposure to radiation for medical or biomedical research purposes as well as carers and comforters exposed to ionising radiation while attending a patient.