Negative Things Regarding X-Rays

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen accidentally discovered X-rays in 1895 while experimenting with a Crookes tube. Covering the tube with black cardboard and providing the electric current, Roentgen noticed that there was a light on a cardboard screen that was sitting on a chair just a few feet away. He then noticed that the screen showed the letter A. He found out that the letter had been written by a student on the cardboard using liquid barium platinocyanide.

Cell Mutation

• Excessive exposure to X-ray radiation can result in changes in chromosomes. Chromosomes are the body's blueprints for new cell creation. These changed chromosomes can result in mutated new cell growth. Mutated cells do not function as a normal cell would, and can lead to a variety of health issues. These issues may be as minor as dry skin or as horrifying as cancer.

Cell Death

• The radiation from the X-ray can hit a cell in its weak area, causing that cell to die.

Hydrogen Peroxide Levels

• X-rays can cause a breakdown of hydrogen oxygen in the human body which can result in higher levels of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is extremely toxic to the cells in the body. This can lead to massive cell death and be detrimental to a person's health.

Molecule Structure

• Ionizing radiation from X-rays can cause adverse effects in the atoms and molecules within the body's cells.

Fetal Damage

• X-rays are a larger danger to children inside the womb. Because a fetus develops so quickly and has such rapid cell creation and growth, the effects of X-rays on those cells can cause birth defects or even heighten the possibility of leukemia in the child later in life. The effects of the radiation to the fetus depend largely on the amount of radiation the fetus is exposed to and the stage of pregnancy. Exposure can cause miscarriage or mental damage. Regardless of the amount or time of exposure, there is an increased risk of childhood cancer from DNA damage.