Radiation protection and the unborn child

Abstract

The development of radiation protection guidelines as contained in the 'Ten Day Rule' are reviewed. Facts for and against the rule and the changing altitudes in radiation protection leading to the 'death' of the 'Ten Day Rule' (I) are discussed. The current recommendation by the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) and the adaptation of the recommendation by the National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) UK, and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) UK, are given. Some policy statements by the American College of Radiology (ACR) are also discussed. A few recommendations are put forward for the professional bodies and teaching institutions, in order to make them aware of the new radiation protection measures.