Organization for Occupational Radiation Safety in Interventional Fluoroscopy (ORSIF) Promotes the Need for Safer Cath Labs at Upcoming SCAI 2015 Scientific Sessions

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organization for Occupational Radiation Safety in Interventional Fluoroscopy (ORSIF), a non-profit organization created to raise awareness of occupational health issues related to the use of fluoroscopy in hospital catheterization (cath) labs and advocate for change, will highlight the risks of occupational hazards to gain a greater awareness of these issues at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2015 Annual Scientific Sessions, May 6-9 in San Diego, CA.

Among the activities taking place at the ORSIF booth (#105) will be complimentary cataract screenings conducted by ophthalmologist Ann Burnham, MD, of Lexington Eye Associates. The screenings will take place during regularly scheduled exhibit hours throughout the conference. Interventional procedures performed in hospital cath labs are a leading source of radiation exposure for medical personnel and have been linked to the development of cataracts, cancer, and brain and thyroid diseases.

ORSIF will also debut a video featuring Edward B. Diethrich, MD, Founder of the Arizona Heart Foundation, and his personal experiences with the impacts of occupational radiation exposure. In the video, Dr. Diethrich tells his personal story of how exposure to ionizing radiation throughout his career led to various health issues, including the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

"The last thing I was thinking about during my career was how much radiation I was exposing my body to. I think I felt that radiation cannot hurt me. I felt indestructible. Obviously, that wasn't true," said Dr. Diethrich. 

In addition, the new ORSIF white paper entitled, "Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Interventional Fluoroscopy: Severity of Adverse Effects of a Growing Health Problem," will be available at the ORSIF booth. The white paper examines:

• Existing scientific evidence on the rising incidences of cancer, pre-cursors to cataracts and other serious adverse health effects among medical professionals who perform interventional procedures
• The musculoskeletal hazards that stem from the use of traditional personal protective equipment used by physicians performing interventional procedures
• Dramatic contrasts between U.S. radiation exposure thresholds and more stringent thresholds recommended by international radiation protection agencies.
• Potential solutions and changes that may increase occupational safety in Interventional Fluoroscopy.

About ORSIF
The Organization for Occupational Radiation Safety in Interventional Fluoroscopy (ORSIF) raises awareness of the health risks of occupational ionizing radiation exposures and associated musculoskeletal risks occurring in interventional fluoroscopy laboratories. ORSIF develops support for medical professionals and hospitals for new and better ways to create the safest possible work environment for those dedicated to the wellness of others. ORSIF is composed of members from industry, physicians and staff from interventional fluoroscopy labs and will partner with other physician, staff and hospital associations, academic institutions, and government bodies. The organization's website is www.orsif.org.

Media Contact
Marianne Fulgenzi
KNB Communications
(203) 504-8230, ext. 102
[email protected]

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SOURCE ORSIF

Related Links

http://www.orsif.org