Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in pregnant staff. Consensus document of ACI-SEC/ARC-SEC/SERVEI/ SENR/SERAM/GeNI

Abstract

The gender gap in interventional subspecialties is largely due to concerns about occupational radiation exposure. The belief that it is not possible to continue working in cath labs during pregnancy is perceived by many female physicians as a barrier to develop their career or fulfill their motherhood wishes. Many physicians are unaware of the doses of ionizing radiation that are harmful for the fetus, which is the dose received by women who continue to work in cath labs throughout their pregnancies, or do not know the existing regulations. In conclusion, it is necessary to draft this informative document and joint position paper to provide female physicians with the necessary knowledge to make fully informed decisions on whether to choose an interventional subspecialty or work exposed to ionizing radiation during their pregnancy.