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Answer to Question #1631 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radiation Effects — Effects on Tissues and Organs The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
What are the effects of excessive radiation exposure (x rays) to children's long bones?
A
Large radiation doses, such as might be delivered for treatment of cancer by radiation oncology (formerly called radiation therapy), may interfere with continued growth of long bones in children. There is a threshold dose of several Gy, below which this effect does not occur. Smaller doses of radiation, such as might be encountered in everyday life, including medical or dental diagnostic x ray, are well below this threshold.
Conclusion: Radiation in doses sufficient to eradicate existing cancer may interfere with bone growth in children. However, the lifesaving benefits of this radiation generally outweigh this risk. There is no risk of this effect from smaller doses.
S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD
Answer posted on 1 February 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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