X-Rays and radioactive isotopes are now commonly used in medicine, both for diagnosis and treatment, e.g. cancer. However, the use of these substances is not safe. While treating cancer, exposure to radiation can also cause cancer. The emission from the radioactive substance is known as radiation. This is an atomic age and X-Rays and other substances are being used on a large scale. In addition, there is always some amount of natural radiation, mostly in the form of cosmic rays, surrounding dead material (thorium, radon, earth etc).

T Modin Saheb, NTPC Hospital, Ramagundam, in his paper presented at the three-day national conference of the Society of Indian Radiographers, in Hyderabad, said the effects of radiation on the human body were mostly due to the gamma rays which had more penetrating power than the other emissions like the alpha and beta particles. The gamma rays could easily penetrate all the tissues of the body and affect them. The effects of radiation might be variable depending on the dose of the rays, the area of the body exposed and the duration of exposure. The cells would be changed, damaged or killed.

Hereditary or genetic effects: There is a possibility of undesirable effects upon a future generation due to X-Rays and other ionizing radiation. This is called mutation. The important danger of radiation is its effect on the genes. The chromosomes are affected and due to the increased rate of mutation, abnormal progeny may be produced.

Somatic or bodily effects: The somatic changes include radiation sickness, loss of hair, destruction of tissues and ulceration, sterility, leukaemia, leucopanea and death.

Radiation dose: A fatal dose of radiation is about 500r (roentgens). Doses between 100r and 500r may cause bleeding, vomiting, loss of hair etc. However, a dose of 30-60r is enough to cause mutation and the consequent heredity changes. All these doses may be received over a period of several years. Due to the natural radiation one gets only 3-5 roentgens in about 30 years.

Protection measures: Avoid unnecessary X-Ray exposures. X-Ray exposure should be minimum and should be undertaken only if absolutely essential. Avoid as far as possible X-Ray exposure of any kind during pregnancy, especially in the first three months of gestation period. Radiologists should use protective coats, aprons, gloves and shields etc. They should never support or hold the patient during exposure and always stand behind the lead protective screen while exposing.
They should frequently check the radiation dose received by continuous wearing of the film badge. While exposing they should collimate the beam accurately, to reduce the area irradiated. The radiologists should follow the radiation safety measures for self-protection, patient protection and also protection of patients' attendants.