Occupational effective doses for regional and university hospitals in Albania (2021-2025): optimization and statistical analysis.

Abstract

The Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics conducts periodic monitoring of doses for occupationally exposed workers in Albania. This is the first study in Albania that includes all regional and university hospitals in the country. Measurements are carried out in 2-month periods using thermoluminescent dosemeters composed of LiF:Mg,Ti crystals which are measured with the Harshaw 6600 and Harshaw 4500 reader. The results indicate that the average dose for the years 2021 to 2025 is 0.62 mSv y-1 and collective annual dose is 243.7 man mSv averaged for 5 years, where 393 occupationally exposed workers like doctors, physicists, radiologists, etc. are monitored. The results indicate that the doses are within the limits, and comparable to worldwide occupational doses. The dose distribution for the year 2025 for all employees fits well with the q-Gaussian distribution, consistent with heterogeneity of doses which comes from different workload, different equipment's etc.