|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

Radiography Hazards

Radiation is energy traveling through space. Types of radiation include X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, radio waves, and visible light. An X-ray is a simple, quick and painless test which passes ionizing radiation through your body to produce images of the internal structures. Although the risks are minimal, there are a few of which you need to be aware.

  1. Increased Risk of Cancer

    • According to X-Ray Risk.com, X-rays can increase the risk of developing cancer When X-rays pass through your body, electrons are ejected or separated from their atoms. The separated positive ions, also called free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. The radiation can also damage your DNA. Three things happen at this point: the cell dies (from high doses of radiation), the cell repairs itself correctly (this usually occurs), or the cell repairs itself incorrectly (very rare). When cells don't repair themselves correctly, it can act abnormally or cancer can grow. It can take several years to detect this cancer growth after exposure. Lastly, when radiation reaches the bone marrow, it can cause leukemia.

    Reproductive Risks

    • X-ray can interfere with the reproductive cycle. X-rays of pregnant women can endanger the fetus. Oxford researchers found that among the mothers of children who had died of leukemia, X-rays of the pelvis during pregnancy had been twice as common among them as among mothers of other children. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to an x-ray when pregnant can change the way the baby's rapidly growing cells grow and develop, leading to a slightly higher risk of birth defects or leukemia developing. Also, excessive radiation to the ovaries or testicles can cause gene mutation, which may lead to birth defects and deformities in your offspring.

    Barium

    • Barium is introduced into your body as a contrast medium for certain types of X-rays and radiography. It has several risks associated with its use. In rare instances, it can cause an allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction. The Mayo Clinic reports that anaphylaxis can cause your blood pressure to drop, your airways to narrow and block breathing. This can lead to your body going into shock, or to unconsciousness or even death.

Environmental Health - Related Articles