How does X-ray radiation interact with the human body?

Ionising radiation such as gamma rays, x-rays and a certain part of ultraviolet light (the short-wave UVC) can ionise atoms due to their large energy content. As a result, the DNA in the body can be damaged and body cells can change. Even a small dose of ionising radiation is hazardous to the body.

Does radiation from x-rays stay in your body?

After a radiographic, fluoroscopic, CT, ultrasound, or MRI exam, no radiation remains in your body. For nuclear medicine imaging, a small amount of radiation can stay in the body for a short time.

Are diagnostic radiologists exposed to radiation?

Currently, radiologists in clinical practice, particularly those who routinely perform image-guided procedures, may be exposed occupationally to low-dose radiation above background levels. There is variability in the occupational radiation dose to which radiologists are exposed, depending on the type of procedure [4].

How much radiation does the human body emit?

The amount of the radioactive isotope 40K in a 70-kg person is about 5,000 Bq, which represents 5,000 atoms undergoing radioactive decay each second. Second, 40K emits gamma rays in a little over 10 percent of its decays and most of these gamma rays escape the body.

How long does radiation from a CT scan last in your body?

Belly and pelvis: 10 mSv, equal to about 3 years of background radiation. Colonography: 6 mSv, equal to about 2 years of background radiation. Head: 2 mSv, equal to about 8 months of background radiation.

How is radiation used in medical diagnosis?

Since Rontgen’s discovery over 100 years ago, radiation has been used to create visual images of the inside of the body to diagnose medical conditions. Medical professionals use ionizing radiation in specific imaging procedures to help diagnose injuries or illness within the body.

Where is radiation stored in the body?

An internally deposited radioactive element may concentrate in, and thus irradiate, certain organs more than others. Radioiodine, for example, collects in the thyroid gland, whereas radium and strontium accumulate chiefly in the bones.