Radiation can be emitted from one body and absorbed by another. Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause nausea, hair loss, burns, cancer and even death over time. Radiation sickness depends on the amount (measured in rem) and time of exposure. Radiology technicians are protected through radiation badges, lead aprons and gloves to shield organs and hands during scans. While some exposure is inevitable, technicians must take safety precautions seriously to minimize health risks from radiation.

1. Radiation Risks and Safetyas a Radiology Technician Presented by : Cara Scott

2. What is radiation ?According to Dictionary.com Radiation is the complete process in which energy is emitted by one body, transmitted through an intervening medium or space, and absorbed by another body.

3. What are the effects of over-exposure?Radiation sickness – may be characterized with nausea, loss of hair , skin burns, damage to white blood cells, and prolonged hemorrhage.Cancer- a malignant and invasive growth or tumor.Premature ageingPossible deathWeakened immune system

4. Estimating RiskExposure Health Effect Time to Onset (rem) (without treatment) 5-10 changes in blood chemistry 50 nausea hours 55 fatigue 70 vomiting 75 hair loss 2-3 weeks 90 diarrhea 100 hemorrhage 400 possible death within 2 months 1,000 destruction of intestinal lining internal bleeding and death 1-2 weeks 2,000 damage to central nervous system loss of consciousness; minutes and death hours to days

5. Protection for Radiology TechniciansRadiation Badges monitors the amount of radiation a technician receives .Lead aprons are worn to shield the vital organs from radiation. Lead gloves are worn to protect the hands if they will be near the x-ray.

6. There is no such thing as “safe” amounts of radiation. Be smart , protect yourself and your patients Thank you