Means of Radiation Protection

Since we now know that radiographic exams, including mammography, use ionizing radiation, which holds the potential to cause cancer, let's discuss ways of protecting ourselves.

The most common type of radiation protection used today is shielding. These shields are made of lead, which stops radiation from passing through. There are several different types of shields that will be available at any doctors office that performs radiographic procedures. Keep in mind, that only areas that ARE NOT being examined can be shielded, because the lead stops the radiation from penetrating, which is necessary to produce an x-ray image. Shields available today include, aprons, gloves, glasses, and thyroid shields, to name a few. You may see your radiologic technologist wearing these items when performing your exam. You may also see them standing behind a lead-lined wall when they take the exams. This is to protect them from the unwanted radiation and since they are exposed everyday to radiation per their job requirements, it is ESSENTIAL that they use all means necessary to protect themselves. The patient should also be protected, as well. If a radiologic technologist fails to offer you a shielding device, do not be afraid to ask for one, if the procedure allows for it, and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS inform your doctor of pregnancy, or potential pregnancy, as radiation is even more dangerous to a fetus and can cause birth defects or even miscarriage. In the event that you are pregnant, and your doctor still requires you to have a procedure done, it is likely because the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Most cases like this would be life or death (trauma) situations.

Another way to protect yourself from radiation is by using distance. (This of course does not apply if you are the one receiving the procedure) but let's say your small child is having an exam done, and you have to be in the room. If you are able to, take a few steps back when the exam is done and this will reduce your dose dramatically.

So I'm sure you're wondering why you should take a step back if you are not the one getting the x-ray. Radiation does not simply travel in one direction and then stop. It holds the potential to interact with several different electrons in different atoms, which means it can potentially shoot out 180 degrees from where it originated. This is why distance is our friend!