X-rays are Linked to Cancer

X-rays were discovered a little over a century ago in Germany. This discovery captured the attention of the world; especially those in the medical field. "X-rays", back in the day, got a similar reaction to that of the findings of penicillin. Medical professionals quickly realized the diagnostic benefits of being able to streamline these high-energy waves into a distribution center - machine - that would allow professionals to see under the skin of their patients.

The intensity of enthusiasm drastically slowed a few years later when unexpected side effects were noticed. Patients developed burns, skin carcinomas and some actually died. Precautions were taken in the early part of the 1920’s, but it was also believed that cancer and death could only result from very high radiation doses. The study of the survivors of the Japan Atomic bomb gave the scientific community a new perspective. They quickly put into principle that low doses of ionizing radiation can be linked to cancer.

The basic difference between radiation and ionizing radiation is that the molecules and atoms that are charged with ionizing radiation shed off portions of their energy - ions or electrically charged electrons - into the atmosphere and other materials, including human flesh. The problem that arises is these highly charged particles look to link up to other - more stable - atoms and molecules, making them ionize as well. Now you have a sort of snowball effect, of unstable energy moving from cell to cell and molecule to molecule.

As if that is not enough, radiation damages cells from another angle as well. Some molecules break apart from the direct radiation exposure. The left over pieces of the broken molecule are termed free-radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive and can mutate and change the structure of other molecules in the cells. They create an environment of damaged cell proliferation, just like ions do.

Everyone is exposed to radiation, but some more than others. Cosmic radiation comes from the atmosphere. The highest energy, most damaging, is Gamma radiation. These rays do not enter our troposphere - the layer of atmosphere we live. Second is X- Radiation, and third is Ultraviolet. If a human was directly exposed to a Gamma ray, he or she would be incinerated on the spot.

Other sources of radiation include emissions from materials that are decaying, terrestrial radiation (radiation from the ground and radon gas emissions), and medical diagnostic x-rays. Accidents, leaks, and emissions from nuclear power plants and testing facilities carry high human exposure risks.

A full-body, high dose of X-Radiation could cause death within a couple weeks. We are exposed to small doses of these rays all the time, but what is the safe amount? 60 years ago scientists established that even low doses can be linked to cancer.

X-radiation, no matter what dosage, is ionizing radiation. Getting a CT, MRI or regular dental pictures will give you a hefty dose. Further, just being in a medical facility, will expose you to scatter radiation. Going through airport security is not just an inconvenience these days; it is a huge health risk. The time spent waiting in line and then going through, is time spent absorbing X-rays and scatter radiation.

Radiation is everywhere and has been in the environment forever. The best way to ensure that you keep your exposure as low as possible is to limit your time in and around radioactive sources, keep your distance from a source, and shield yourself when possible.

Radiation Shield Technologies
Protection against ionizing radiation.