How is the exposure received by the public in a therapy department classified?

The exposure received by the public in a therapy department is classified as public exposure. This classification is significant because it refers to the radiation doses received by individuals who are not directly involved in the operation of the radiation therapy equipment, such as patients receiving treatment, the general public, or visitors in the facility.

Public exposure is distinct from occupational exposure, which pertains to doses received by workers who operate radiation equipment. Medical exposure applies specifically to patients undergoing medical procedures, while radiation exposure is a broader term that encompasses all types of radiation exposure, including occupational, medical, and public, without distinguishing the context or source.

The classification as public exposure emphasizes the need for strict safety protocols to minimize any potential radiation exposure to non-patient individuals. Facilities must implement measures such as shielding and access control to ensure that public exposure is kept within safe limits, in accordance with regulatory guidelines. This distinction highlights the importance of protecting individuals who are not part of the medical procedures from unnecessary radiation exposure.