What is commonly used to monitor a radiology worker's occupational exposure?

• A. Film badges
• B. Thermoluminescent dosimeters
• C. Personal ionization chamber
• D. Geiger counter

Answer: (A)

Film badges are commonly used to monitor a radiology worker's occupational exposure because they provide a simple, affordable way to track cumulative radiation dose over a defined wearing period. The badge contains photographic film that darkens in proportion to the amount of ionizing radiation encountered. After the monitoring period, the film is developed, and the resulting density is translated into an estimated dose for that individual. This creates a verifiable exposure record used to ensure workers stay within regulatory limits and to support ALARA. Other devices exist for monitoring in different ways: thermoluminescent dosimeters offer another sensitive method and can be reusable, a personal ionization chamber gives real-time exposure readings during procedures, and a Geiger counter detects the presence of radiation but does not provide a cumulative dose record for ongoing occupational monitoring.