The Government published the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) in the Gazette today (August 1) to give effect to the amendments on the occupational eye lens dose limit endorsed by the Radiation Board of Hong Kong (RBHK). The new limit will take effect on January 1, 2026.

     The Legislative Council approved on July 30 the Amendment Regulation made by the RBHK in accordance with the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303) upon stakeholder consultation, which lowers the occupational eye lens dose limit specified in the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) Regulations (Cap. 303B) from 150 millisieverts in a year to 20 millisieverts in a year, averaged over defined periods of five years, with no single year exceeding 50 millisieverts.

     The technical amendment aims to align with the latest international standard recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, with a view to better protecting practitioners from developing radiation-induced cataracts. The Radiation Health Division of the Department of Health has earlier introduced a monitoring service on occupational eye lens radiation doses for local practitioners to assist the industry in complying with the new limit.

     The RBHK is established under section 3 of the Radiation Ordinance to carry out functions in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance and its subsidiary legislations, including the adoption of statutory dose limits for persons employed in radiation work.

Ends/Friday, August 1, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00

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