X-rays and gamma rays used in diagnostic imaging are:

X-rays and gamma rays used in diagnostic imaging are:

• A. Not of concern because the beam is filtered
• B. Part of the natural background dose
• C. Part of an artificial background radiation dose
• D. An insignificant dose to the general population because they are used safely

Answer: (C)

X-ray and gamma-ray diagnostic imaging involve exposing people to ionizing radiation produced by human-made sources. Even though imaging is designed to minimize dose (with filtration and shielding), there is still some exposure. That exposure is not natural; it comes from medical procedures and other human activities, so it contributes to the artificial portion of the background radiation we all receive. In other words, diagnostic imaging is a source of artificial background radiation, added to the natural background from environmental sources. It’s not correct to call it negligible or harmless because, while individual doses are small, the collective exposure from many procedures adds up to a meaningful part of the population’s radiation dose.

X-ray and gamma-ray diagnostic imaging involve exposing people to ionizing radiation produced by human-made sources. Even though imaging is designed to minimize dose (with filtration and shielding), there is still some exposure. That exposure is not natural; it comes from medical procedures and other human activities, so it contributes to the artificial portion of the background radiation we all receive. In other words, diagnostic imaging is a source of artificial background radiation, added to the natural background from environmental sources. It’s not correct to call it negligible or harmless because, while individual doses are small, the collective exposure from many procedures adds up to a meaningful part of the population’s radiation dose.