Skin Dosimetry of Some Beta Sources using the VARSKIN2 Code

Skin dose and depth dose distribution of some beta sources that can contaminate skin or protective clothing covering the skin have been calculated using VARSKIN2. In this research, absorbed dose to skin and depth dose from the skin surface have been calculated for 90Sr/90Y, 147Pm, 32P beta emitter radioisotopes by using input parameters: activity of source, cover thickness, cover density, air gap thickness, radiation time and different source geometries. Absorbed dose variation was calculated for beta sources in different source forms, namely, point, 2-D disk, cylindrical, spherical and slab sources. The results show that a cylindrical source causes the minimum damage to skin cells. Therefore, this shape of source is the best with respect to radiation protection.Discussion and The VARSKIN2 code is a very useful tool for skin dosimetry, as well being fast, accurate and user friendly. It can be used for dose optimization calculations especially for beta sources over human skin.