Risk perception among workers exposed to ionizing radiation: a qualitative view

Ionizing radiation is energy in wave or particle form that can be absorbed by occupationally exposed professionals. With exposure, diseases may occur as defined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans 2000. Therefore, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and evaluating experiences of the involved parties, available resources, and work processes is necessary. We analysed risk perception compared with the pillars of radiological protection (justification/optimization/limitation) and the principles of distance/time/shielding. We used qualitative methodology under the phenomenological paradigm to assess participants perceptions regarding the ionizing radiation risk using conversational interviews. The data collection period was 2019-2020. The interpretative work was conducted by thematizing interviews, which were categorised and schematized for analysis. The practices of five participants with at least 20 years of experience in radiation use were explored. Five categories were identified. We found that the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' principle was recognised based on distance/time/shielding and according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Bonn Call for Action. The justification associated with the risk/benefit was not associated with the fear of being wrong, with the understanding that, according to the IAEA, 30% of procedures are not justified.