George Tsoukatos, BPS, RT(R)
*Digital Radiography Product Specialist, Radiology Support Services, Germantown, NY
Address correspondence to: George Tsoukatos, BPS, RT(R), Radiology Support Services, PO Box 215, Germantown, NY 12526. E-mail: radiologytechnique@gmail.com.
Disclosures: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.
ABSTRACT
As the use of diagnostic X-ray imaging has increased, so has interest in and scrutiny of ionizing radiation dose exposure and its effect on patients and radiographers. Concern about the overuse or unsafe use of ionizing radiation exists, because it has the ability to rearrange the molecular structure of the body parts it passes through. This can cause both chemical and biological changes, making it important to explore techniques that limit exposure and protect radiosensitive organs. This article discusses the hazards associated with ionizing radiation and currently available protective devices for patients and radiographers to use during X-ray procedures, as well as actions being taken by various organizations and societies to further address radiation safety issues.