Question 42: A nuclear medicine technologist becomes
contaminated with I-131 which results in an internal uptake
of iodine. She continues to breast-feed her baby. Is the
licensee responsible for controlling the dose to the baby
as a member of the public in an unrestricted area? If so,
what are the dose limits?
Answer: The licensee is responsible for the licensed
material that has internally contaminated the technologist.
The limit for a member of the public applies to the baby.
(References: 10 CFR 20.1201 and 20.1301)
The licensee is responsible for performing a "survey" to
assess the magnitude of the dose to the baby [10 CFR
20.1501 (a)].
With respect to the continued breast-feeding of the baby,
there are important legal, moral, and ethical
considerations (including the rights of the technologist)
that are outside the limited scope of 10 CFR Part 20. Both
NRC and the licensee would have to address these
considerations if such a situation were actually to arise.
(References: 10 CFR 20.1201 and 20.1301)