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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffYou may be concerned about radiation exposure from chest X-rays, especially if you have them regularly. However, the amount of radiation from a chest X-ray is low — even lower than what you're exposed to through natural sources of radiation in the environment.
The X-ray technologists and radiologists use the smallest possible dose of radiation and provide a protective lead apron when multiple X-rays are necessary.
Women should always inform their physician or X-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Although you should generally avoid X-rays during pregnancy, a lead apron that covers your pelvis and abdomen can minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
- Normal anatomy and variants. In: Mettler FA. Essentials of Radiology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125599666-3/815585924/1276/39.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-0527-3..50006-8--cesec9_58. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Chest X-ray (Chest radiography). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=chestrad. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Sykes AM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 20, 2009.
- Safety: Radiation exposure in X-ray examinations. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray#6. Accessed March 12, 2009.
