Divergences between Portuguese and European Legislation on Radiological Protection of Pregnant and Lactating Women – Scientific Justification or Discrimination?

Abstract

The legislation currently in force in Portugal, relating to the legal framework for the promotion of safety and health of workers at work, completely prohibits pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, regardless of the exposure level, from carrying out activities in which they may be exposed to ionizing radiation, contrary to other national and international legislation. as well as current scientific evidence. In fact, European diplomas relating to the radiological protection of workers, as well as related national diplomas, don’t prevent the workers in question from continuing to work with ionizing radiation, despite paying special attention to the protection of the unborn child and requiring a rigorous risk analysis, with a clear definition of exposure limits. 

This work aims to present a historical perspective of European and national regulations and investigate the origin of this misalignment, also considering other legislative approaches and international practices, and highlighting the need to address and clarify the issue in our country.