Risks of being a radiologist

X-rays give out small doses of radiation during each use. For a patient receiving an x-ray this isn’t harmful. What about the effects it has on a radiologist? It’s their job to be around radiation, day in and day out. The long term effects could be dire. They take as many precautions as necessary, but only so much can prevent the radiation from affecting them.X-ray technology became a widespread use in the 1920s. At this time, no one knew that the radiation would be dangerous to those working around the machines. From the 1920s and through the 1950s, radiologists were developing skin cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. As the technology became more advanced, regulations were slowly put into effect in the hopes of protecting radiologists. Many people during the early years of x-ray technology had no idea that radiation could cause such dire problems. Initially there was no regulation at all.

In modern times, x-ray machines are built with a radiologist’s safety kept in mind. Modern regulations ensure that a radiologist will never be exposed to an unhealthy amount of radiation no matter how long they remain doing this line of work. There are a few necessary precautions they must take in order to keep themselves protected.Monitor short and long term exposureIt is imperative for people in the radiology field to get monitored for both short term and long term exposure. This can keep the risk of cancer as low as possible for everyone working in this career field.Check protective equipmentThis equipment is used to limit radiation exposure. It is designed to protect all areas of the body where cancer can be a significant risk. This equipment needs to be checked and changed regularly to ensure that it is working efficiently. If the protective equipment is defective, it needs to be changed immediately.Track records through job changesIt is important to keep track of all exposure to radiation throughout a career in radiology. This can allow you to stay within your safety limits of radiation exposure. Multiple job changes can be a safe way to avoid getting over exposed to radiation. It allows your body to have a break from any exposure and can safely continue work after a certain recommended amount of time.Even through taking all the necessary precautions, there may still be a risk of developing cancer. It is important that a radiologist takes all the necessary precautions in addition to getting frequent checks for any possible signs of cancer. The risks overall are not high when taking the right precautions. A career in radiology may still be a good choice for you.For patients in need of an x-ray, desert radiologists in Las Vegas can help you. They are trained and offer many years of experience to help make your x-ray go as smoothly as possible. They offer multiple locations within the Las Vegas valley, so it is convenient no matter where you live. For more information about services and locations, contact Steinberg Diagnostic Imaging Center at 702.732.6000.