Title: Evaluation of the dose and of the risk of cancer induction associated with the use of transmission X-ray body scanners using the Monte Carlo MCNPX code

Authors: Samanda Cristine Arruda Correa; Josilto Oliveira de Aquino; Edmilson Monteiro de Souza; Ademir Xavier da Silva

Addresses: Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, Rua General Severiano, 90, 22290-901, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. ' Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, Rua General Severiano, 90, 22290-901, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. ' Fundação Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste – UEZO, Rua Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203, 23070-200, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. ' Programa de Engenharia Nuclear [PEN/COPPE – DNC/Poli] CT/UFRJ, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco G, Sala 206, P.O. Box 68509, 21945-970, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Abstract: In recent years, X-ray body scanners have been introduced at airports, penitentiaries and other places with considerable movement of people in order to combat drug trafficking, the entry of illegal materials and terrorism. However, although the application of this equipment in the national security area is indeed relevant, its use has caused a great deal of controversy, especially with regard to the doses absorbed and to the cancer induction risk associated with these exposures. The aim of this study is to use the Monte Carlo MCNPX code and the male adult voxel (MAX) and female adult voxel (FAX) phantoms, to evaluate the absorbed dose, effective dose and risk of cancer incidence attributable to exposures of individuals submitted to transmission X-ray body scanners in several projections. The effective dose values were calculated as recommended by the ICRP Publication 103 and the risk of cancer incidence were estimated through the BEIR VII Report.

Keywords: MCNP; Monte Carlo simulation; absorbed dose; cancer risk; X-ray body scanners; border security; national security; low radiation; effective dose.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2011.047180

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2011 Vol.8 No.5/6, pp.340 - 354

Received: 07 Oct 2011
Accepted: 29 Nov 2011
Published online: 07 Feb 2015 *

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