“My son is working in the hospital as a radiologist. Will the waves from the machines cause him any harm?”
My son is working as a radiologist and although he tells me precautions are taken at all times, I am worried whether the radioactive waves from the machines will cause him any harm.
5 Answers
The risks for radiation exposure is minimal in the Hospital. Special lead lines walls and partitions are used to protect workers and patients alike. In addition Radiologist typically wear a lead apron to protect vital organs during exposure when performing procedures. As radiologists our exposure to radiation is greater than the general public, however, still within the safe limits to practice medicine. I am a radiologist myself and it is also our responsibility to take extra precautions when exposed during procedures.
The profession is very safe. First of all, the majority of the time we work, we are not exposed to radiation. In addition, we wear a device that keeps track of radiation exposure and we get monthly or quarterly reports that tell us how much and of what type of radiation we've been exposed to. We also get a yearly summary.
Every hospital has an RSO, or Radiation Safety Officer, whose job is to not only review the exposure reports, but to make sure an individual is not getting exposed to significant amounts of radiation. Also, the RSO works with a Radiation Physicist to make sure all the devices which can produce radiation are exposing patients and staff to the lowest levels possible.
Every hospital has an RSO, or Radiation Safety Officer, whose job is to not only review the exposure reports, but to make sure an individual is not getting exposed to significant amounts of radiation. Also, the RSO works with a Radiation Physicist to make sure all the devices which can produce radiation are exposing patients and staff to the lowest levels possible.
Yes, but I"m sure he is shielded. OSHA requires it.
Well ma’am, that’s an interesting question. I think your son has probably made the choice in medicine, which he enjoys. Frankly, I have been experiencing exposure to radiation since 1977 and I’m still here to answer your question. That being said, we are exposed to radiation every day on this earth. Those of us who perform procedures in Radiology are more exposed than some, however.
Your son should be fine. All radiation workers are monitored as to how much radiation dosage they receive and there are limits as to how much can receive over various time frames. I am a radiologist and so is my son and I have little concern over the amount radiation he will receive over his lifetime.
