Prenatal exposure to ionizing radiation: sources, effects and regulatory aspects

Knowledge and awareness of physicians and the general public concerning the risks of prenatal exposure to ionizing radiation sire important when devel oping a correct attitude to ionizing radiation. This is particularly import ant in the justification of medical diagnostic exposure of pregnant women a nd in case of possible accidents. The present paper reviews the most recent data on the effects of prenatal exposure to ionizing radiation reported in the scientific literature and in documents of international organizations dealing with this subject. Potentially significant exposure for women of ch ildbearing age in medical diagnostics, working conditions and environmental contamination following the Chernobyl accident are reported. Some examples of doses associated with medical exposure in the course of diagnostic exam inations with X-rays and radiopharmaceuticals, and occupational exposure in workplaces are given. Lastly, the regulatory aspects of the European Union directives and the Italian legislation on medical and occupational exposur e of women during pregnancy or in reproductive age are reviewed.