Final answer:
Health professionals in radiology wear film badges with photographic film to monitor their exposure to radiation. These badges assess the penetrative strength and amount of radiation, ensuring that workers remain within safe exposure limits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Health Professionals Wear Film Badges in Radiology
Health professionals working in radiology wear film badges as a measure of protection against the dangers of continuous exposure to radiation. These badges contain a piece of photographic film, similar to that used in dental X-ray film, which is sandwiched between various absorbers. The purpose is to determine the penetrating ability of the radiation and the amount of exposure over a given period. The film undergoes a chemical change when exposed to ionizing radiation, which leads to fogging that is proportional to the level of exposure. Regular development and analysis of these film badges provide a record of the dose of radiation that radiology workers receive, ensuring they stay within safe exposure limits and helping with the ongoing assessment of the safety protocols in their work environment.
Radiation can be dangerous and thus modern radiology departments take several precautionary measures including the use of lead aprons, shielded X-ray tubes, and distance strategies such as standing behind lead-lined doors to minimize exposure. Personal dosimeters, like film badges, are essential for monitoring individual exposures to ensure that safety standards are maintained.