What do you think of the danger of radiation from x-rays?

[X-ray Girl]

I am writing a paper on people's ideas about the radiation you are exposed to because of x-rays and CT scans.Do you think you are in danger? Do you think it's completely safe? Let's here your opinion.I am hoping to debunk some common myths and show the truth.What's your thoughts about it all?I am also an x-ray tech..which is actually what brought about the idea for this paper.Constantly I am getting concerned patients,

 

[E L M S]

im sure that it truly doe scause problems or docs wouldnt be so nervous about exposign unborn babies to it, but ive had broken bonesm and plenty pof dental exams. im now 26 and dotn ahve any signs of radiation poisoning or problems due to being exposed....i think there is minimal exposure, making it as bad as breathing in second hand smoke at worst

 

[blindspot]

as i've heard, overexposure to x-rays will make a woman susceptible to infertility.

 

[Doctor J]

Any and every exposure to radiation carries some risk. Radiation can damage DNA and other molecules. Radiation is a known mutagen (causes DNA damage which may or may not lead to cancer) and a known carcinogen (causes DNA damage and enough associated steps to lead to cancer).However, before people fret too much about the risks of radiation, they should consider the concerns of Dr. Bruce Ames from U.C. Berkeley. Dr. Ames is the inventor of the Ames's Test - a famous test in science that is used to test chemicals for carcinogenicity (ability to cause cancer).Dr. Ames has published numerous research papers in many leading medical journals pointing out that (his words) "many common vitamin and mineral deficiencies cause the same kinds of damage to DNA that radiation does, but are of several orders of magnitude more important." Note: several orders of magnitude means thousands of times more important!!!!Most people live on processed junk food. Consequently they have low intakes of vitamin B12, Folic acid and vitamin B6; as well as low intakes of iron, zinc and selenium (minerals). These low intakes are common and cause the same kinds of DNA damage as radiation! This is one reason why in June of 2002 the Journal of the American Medical Association recommended regular vitamin supplementation for most Americans.Best wishes!

 

[Lisa]

As a radiologic technologist, I am constantly having to explain to patients how low the dose is now a days. Last week, I needed to do one sinus view (a waters view) on an 8 year old. The mother kept telling the child to close his eyes so they would not get any radiation.I don't know if you want my opinions since I am around it daily, and I have been educated about this.....Good luck with your paper.

 

[natarajanezee]

of course it cause danger to inner organs. anything and everything which violates and challenges the Mother Nature causes damage to human organs. in the case of Xrays, the exposure surely affects the bone marrow and the lack of calcium in the later years, I think.

 

[Cherriest]

I can speak for dental x-rays. An FMX (which is a full mouth set of x-rays) is usually composed of 18 films. Taking all of these x-rays WITHOUT the use of a lead apron is equivalent to approximately one hour in the son. If a lead apron is used the amount lowers greatly. An FMX is only taken approximately once every 5 years. Bitewings (4 film) are taken every 6 - 12 months and periodic PA (periapical x-rays consisting of 1 film) x-rays are taken. The public is very misinformed about the amount of radiation they are receiving when radiographs are taken. Of course it's not 100% safe... but going out in the sun is not 100% safe either. Personally I think it is a minimal risk for diagostic x-rays.