X-rays (causing cancer and dermatitis)

If you fracture a bone, you have it X-rayed at hospital — a quick and harmless procedure. The dose of radiation you receive is precisely controlled and won’t cause any harmful effects.

However, people who are regularly exposed to radiation at work—such as dentists and dental assistants, medical X-ray technicians and radiologists — must ensure their exposure does not exceed the maximum permissable dose (MPD), as set by international agreement. This is done by controlling the time they are exposed to radiation, controlling the distance they are from the source of radiation, and by shielding themselves from the radiation, e.g. by using heavy lead aprons.

X-rays were discovered in 1895 but the hazards were slow to be recognised. In the early 20th century, many doctors, nurses and technicians died as a result of their work with X-rays.

Excess exposure to X-rays causes burning of the skin, dermatitis, skin cancers, cataracts and anaemia. In men, it can cause atrophy of the testes and abnormal sperm production. In pregnant women, it can damage the foetus, causing birth defects, mental retardation and childhood leukaemia. Pregnant women’s exposure to X-rays must be kept as low as possible.

X-ray dermatitis and cancer of the left hand in a pioneer X-ray technician.