X Ray Radiation Safety and Possible Health Effects
X-Ray radiation is a type of ionization radiation which can be really hazardous.
The path of the incident X-ray beam is thought to be the most dangerous part of the equipment.
For this reason, it is important to practice X ray radiation safety and know the expected path the incident beam will take.
X-rays have a number of properties which make them hazardous.
It is not possible for a human to sense X-ray radiation and therefore it is important to practice radiation safety.
When working with X-ray equipments, if you feel any kind of tingling sensation, the first thing that you must do is notify the Radiation Safety Office.
There are three types of radiation safety measures that must be taken to control the dose or amount of radiation from a source.
These include: - Reducing the time of exposure as this reduces the dose proportionally.
- Increasing distance to reduce dose.
This can be done by making use of forceps to handle a source rather than using the fingers.
- Shielding to reduce radiation to a level that is suitable for humans.
Shielding can be done by placing a mass of absorbing material around the radioactive source.
Possible Health Effects Being exposed to X-ray radiation can be harmful and lead to several health problems.
Exposure to radiation can either be direct or indirect and the effect is usually due to the type of exposure.
When a person is exposed to X-ray radiation, there are a number of changes that may take place within the body cells.
Firstly, the cells may get damaged or injured.
Secondly, cells may die and thirdly, cells may repair themselves incorrectly which may result in a biophysical change.
Some of the factors which determine the effect on an individual include: - total dose received - dose rate - cell sensitivity - individual sensitivity - area of the body that is exposed - energy of the radiation The most sensitive parts of the body are blood forming organs, digestive organs and the reproductive organs.
The least sensitive are the connective tissues, muscle tissues and the nervous system.
At the time of exposure, there may be little or no pain felt by the individual.
After a couple of hours, a first degree burn may form on the skin and trigger a dull pain.
Swelling may also take place which can turn into blisters later on.
In the most severe cases, skin grafts and amputation may be required.
There are also chances of cataracts forming.
When working in an environment which makes use of X-ray equipments, it is important to practice X ray safety because high levels of exposure elevate risks of tumors, cancers and genetic damage.
The path of the incident X-ray beam is thought to be the most dangerous part of the equipment.
For this reason, it is important to practice X ray radiation safety and know the expected path the incident beam will take.
X-rays have a number of properties which make them hazardous.
It is not possible for a human to sense X-ray radiation and therefore it is important to practice radiation safety.
When working with X-ray equipments, if you feel any kind of tingling sensation, the first thing that you must do is notify the Radiation Safety Office.
There are three types of radiation safety measures that must be taken to control the dose or amount of radiation from a source.
These include: - Reducing the time of exposure as this reduces the dose proportionally.
- Increasing distance to reduce dose.
This can be done by making use of forceps to handle a source rather than using the fingers.
- Shielding to reduce radiation to a level that is suitable for humans.
Shielding can be done by placing a mass of absorbing material around the radioactive source.
Possible Health Effects Being exposed to X-ray radiation can be harmful and lead to several health problems.
Exposure to radiation can either be direct or indirect and the effect is usually due to the type of exposure.
When a person is exposed to X-ray radiation, there are a number of changes that may take place within the body cells.
Firstly, the cells may get damaged or injured.
Secondly, cells may die and thirdly, cells may repair themselves incorrectly which may result in a biophysical change.
Some of the factors which determine the effect on an individual include: - total dose received - dose rate - cell sensitivity - individual sensitivity - area of the body that is exposed - energy of the radiation The most sensitive parts of the body are blood forming organs, digestive organs and the reproductive organs.
The least sensitive are the connective tissues, muscle tissues and the nervous system.
At the time of exposure, there may be little or no pain felt by the individual.
After a couple of hours, a first degree burn may form on the skin and trigger a dull pain.
Swelling may also take place which can turn into blisters later on.
In the most severe cases, skin grafts and amputation may be required.
There are also chances of cataracts forming.
When working in an environment which makes use of X-ray equipments, it is important to practice X ray safety because high levels of exposure elevate risks of tumors, cancers and genetic damage.
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