History of Radiation and Complications Term Paper

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The skin round the roots of these become red, irritable and cracked, and the nails themselves thin and brittle. Most constant workers suffer in this way" (Guy). This is one reason early committees were formed to study the affects of X-rays. There were already reports of deaths from over-exposure to x-rays, which many researchers pooh-poohed. However, one researcher, Dr. John Hall-Edwards of England, suffered such dramatic results that both of his hands had to be amputated, one all the way to the forearm (Guy). After this, many operators began to use lead shields, aprons, and/or gloves, such are still in use today.

As technology and understanding has improved, so has the safety of radiology. Another writer notes, "Today, a woman receives one-tenth the dose of radiation that was given just 20 years ago in a typical mammogram, with virtually no risk statistically" (Fishman). In fact, studies indicate that a patient receiving a typical X-ray at the dentist's office receives far less radiation than we are normally exposed to in nature over a year. Author Fishman continues, "According to Geise, the amount of man-made radiation to which the average American is exposed in one year, including medical care, is less than one-fifth the amount of natural radiation exposure" (Fishman). In addition, radiation treatments for cancers are now so precise that usually no other organs or tissues but the cancerous ones are affected by the treatment. Most patients who understand the risks of radiology also believe the benefits are worth the risks. Author Fishman notes, "Although risks increase with higher doses of radiation, the chance that radiation therapy will cure a certain type of cancer almost always outweighs the theoretical risk for the patient. Many cancer patients feel that, what ever risk there may be, the chance of being cured is worth it" (Fishman).

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There can still be many side affects of radiation, including hair loss, nausea, a general lack of energy, and many others, but the fact that so many people survive cancer after radiation therapy is a testament to the necessity of using radiology for diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Thus, radiation treatment has become much more safe and effective for patients and practitioners, and new technologies that are continually being developed ensure even more safe radiological practices in the future of radiology.

Radiation safety is understood much more effectively than it was when Roentgen made his discovery. Unfortunately, many people had to die or become terribly disfigured for scientists to understand the true implications of the process on the health and safety of those who use it. Today, X-ray safety has evolved so that most people know the dangers of over-exposure and avoid it at all costs. X-ray and imaging machines have lead shields, exposure is kept to a minimum, and operators sit behind shields or wear shielded equipment. X-rays changed the face of medicine, and the safety concerns surrounding them are now understood and managed, so patients and operators are protected and assured they are safe from radiation poisoning.

In conclusion, the field of radiology has altered dramatically over the last one hundred years. In the future, many researchers believe 3-D imaging will become much more prevalent, and new ways of utilizing X-rays will continue to be discovered. The history of radiology is varied, and its discovery helped create a new way of practicing medicine and diagnosing illnesses. Radiology is still evolving, and the future of radiology is only limited by the limitations of those studying it themselves......

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