Which of the following is not a common concern in radiation safety during brachytherapy?

In the context of radiation safety during brachytherapy, excessive shielding is not typically a common concern. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources close to or within tumors, allowing for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the target while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Therefore, the focus is often on ensuring that adequate shielding is provided to protect patients and medical staff but without excessive amounts, which could impede accessibility to the treatment area.

In contrast, external exposure is a crucial concern, as it pertains to the radiation that may unintentionally affect other individuals near the treatment area. Radioactive contamination is also a significant consideration, as it relates to the risk of radioactive materials spreading beyond the intended site, potentially leading to unintentional exposure or environmental contamination. Loss of sources is a critical issue as well, since misplaced or lost radioactive sources can pose serious risks to safety and necessitate urgent measures to locate and secure them.

Therefore, while shielding is essential to safeguard against radiation, the term "excessive shielding" does not align with the primary concerns in maintaining a safe environment during brachytherapy procedures.