Americans exposed to more radiation from diagnostic scans

04 Mar 2009

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The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement reports that Americans are being exposed to at least seven times more radiation from diagnostic scans than in 1980. A report from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement has raised concerns that doctors are ordering too many radiation scans and enhancing risks for patients.

Humans are exposed to both natural and man-made radiation sources. According to the US  Office of Radiation Protection at the Washington State Department of Health, ''Natural radiation contributes about 81% of the annual dose to the population and man-made radiation contributes the remaining 19%.''

Natural radiation is derived from a variety of sources, including terrestrial, which is projected from rocks, soil, and gases that emanate from the earth. Inhaled radon, an inert, radioactive gas derived from natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water is estimated to deliver 200 mrem annually. The gas exits the ground and can seep into homes through cracks and holes in the foundation as well as through well water.

Humans also absorb cosmic radiation from the sun.

Foods also contain radiation, delivering about 20 mrem a year.

Human beings, animals, and some plants naturally contain potassium, carbon-14, lead-210, and other radionuclides – which makes them naturally radioactive and we receive small doses just from being around them.

You also receive larger doses of cosmic radiation by living at higher elevations. The American Nuclear Society estimates cosmic radiation at 26 mrem at sea level and 63 mrem at the Colorado Plateau.

Man-made radiation sources include television (1 mrem), dental x-rays (1 mrem), computer screens (1 mrem), and other electronic devices. Tobacco contains thorium and lead-210, and usage of tobacco products delivers roughly 280 mrem annually.

The global population also receives 1 mrem annually from accumulated nuclear fallout delivered from the numerous nuclear tests over the last several decades.

Building materials, combustible fuels (gas, coal, etc.), smoke detectors, luminous watches, road construction materials, and other medical usage are other sources of radiation. In medical usage, CAT scans deliver 110 mrem, an upper GI x-ray delivers 245 mrem, and a barium enema delivers 405 mrem.

As for the amount of radiation the population can tolerate, it is estimated that the likelihood of cancer death increases 10% if one accumulates a total of 250,000 mrem.

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