What are the radiation risks to communicate?

Abstract

The types and levels of risk associated with certain ranges of radiation dose are summarised from recommendations of the International Commis sion on Radiological Protection in 2007. There are estimates of threshold doses for various lethal radiation-induced syndromes, and for reactions in various tissues and organs including the lens (concerning cataracts) and heart (cardiovascular disease) which are still being re-evaluated. Doses in diagnostic procedures are summarised and related to risk estimates for such doses. Fluoroscopy, cardiology and multiple-CT are the areas of diagnostic radiology where the level of dose may cause some concern. These concerns need to be placed in context with the benefits of the procedures, and with risks in other aspects of life. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.