Are we being exposed to radiation in the hospital?

Abstract

X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans are performed frequently in the hospital for health examination or treatment purposes. Medical radiation involves applying radiation such as X-rays, gamma-rays, or beta rays, injecting radioactive isotopes into the body, or administering them orally to take imaging studies or treat diseases such as cancer. When the human body is exposed to radiation, cells can die, become malignant, or even mutate. If cells die, it can be harmful to tissues or organs. If DNA inside a cell is damaged, the cell can turn to cancer. If DNA damage occurs in a sperm or egg, it can lead to genetic problems such as congenital anomalies in the offspring. Over-the-counter painkillers or cough medicines provide a detailed description of their side effects. In comparison, in Korea, when you undergo X-ray or CT imaging, you are not given an explanation of the harms of radiation exposure or how much radiation you would be exposed to. The rooms in the hospital where radiological exams such as Xrays, CT scans, or angiograms are performed display a sign “Radiation Zone” or “Caution: X-ray Radiation.” However, no explanation on the dose each patient would be exposed to or effects of radiation on health is offered. Moreover, when you undergo a radiological examination multiple times, you cannot learn how much radiation you had been exposed to over a certain period of time (cumulative dose). No one informs you, nor do you have any way to figure it out on your own. According to a case evaluated by the Supreme Court of Korea, when a doctor performs a medical practice on a patient, the doctor is responsible for providing an explanation of the treatment method, its necessity, and expected risks, so that the patient can weigh the benefits and risks sufficiently before deciding whether to receive the treatment. Such a principle also applies to the case of radiation studies. Significant Radiation Can Be Exposure by Imaging Tests