Effects of ionising radiation Flashcards
1
Q
X-rays can cause
A
tissue damage, therefore only use when necessary + lowest dose possibly can
2
Q
Effects
A
change in white blood cell count, vomiting, brain damage, coma, death, cataracts, burns, leukaemia, kidney damage, liver damage
3
Q
What do pts need to know?
A
all x-rays have potential to be dangerous, no such thing as a ‘safe dose’:
4
Q
1.
A
2 bitewings are equivalent amount of radiation as a flight to spain
5
Q
2.
A
OPG is equivalent of 28 hours back ground radiation we get everyday
6
Q
3.
A
1 in 20 million exposures have risk of developing cancer
7
Q
Background radiation
A
less than 18% of radiation we will receive in a lifetime will be medical/dental radiation
8
Q
Other percentages of radiation
A
40% radon gas from ground
15% rocks
15% human body + food
12% cosmic rays
