X-ray Radiation Exposure

Routine” is without a specific clinical reason. And the answer is no, according to the Food and Drug Administration, not even “routine” chest or dental x-rays. In fact, the FDA discourages any routine x-ray without clinical evidence of its necessity, because every x-ray you have adds to your total radiation exposure.

The FDA recommends the following precautions:

Don’t decide on your own that you need an x-ray.

Don’t insist on an x-ray.

If your doctor or dentist orders an x-ray, ask if it’s really needed for diagnosis or treatment, but

Don’t refuse an ex-ray if your doctor explains why it’s needed.

Tell your doctor or dentist about any similar x-rays you’ve had; perhaps, if it can be located and reviewed, it may cancel the need for a repeat.

Ask for gonad shields to protect reproductive organs if you’re still of reproductive age.

Ask for a shield at the dentist to cover your thyroid.

Record all x-rays by writing down the date, the type of x-ray examination, and the name of the doctors who ordered them. This will help you keep track of radiation exposure, as well as reduce the expense of repeat x-rays.

X-rays can save lives. They’re an important diagnostic tool in preventing permanent injury and needless death, but unnecessary x-rays (and that includes cat scans and MRIs) may present health hazards that can and should be avoided.