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Answer to Question #2056 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radiation Workers The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I am a veterinarian and am required to take approximately two radiographs per week. Because our patients don't always stay still when we ask, taking veterinary radiographs requires that the person stand by the patient. For this procedure, I always wear a lead apron and gloves. Do you think it is safe to continue this practice during pregnancy? What risk could you estimate that it imposes on the embryo/fetus?
A
If you are using an x-ray machine, do you not have to wear a film badge? What have your film badges been reading? Why don't you have the owner stand by the "patient"? It is very unlikely that you are receiving an exposure that would increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriage, but I cannot be certain without knowledge of the exposure. Please provide me with the information that I have requested.
Robert L. Brent, MD, PhD Response to expert from questioner: Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I cannot believe what an amazing service this is. I checked the exposure readings for the past two quarters and this is what I found: January 1, 2002, through March 31, 2002: deep: 16 millirem, eye: 18 millirem, and shallow: 18 millirem (I'm not sure what these readings mean). The previous quarter's respective readings were 10, 11, and 11. These are from my badge which I always wear. They are likely somewhat inflated for my true exposure because at times others grab my apron (with my badge on it) and wear it when things are disorganized and rushed! So, even though I will stop taking radiographs from now on, I'm more concerned about the time that I was taking them and unaware of my pregnancy. Expert's Response Your monthly readings indicate exposures that are below any dose that would represent a reproductive risk. Remember that your ovaries and embryo will receive much lower exposures. Furthermore, these exposures are total exposures, which means in most instances the exposures are protracted, reducing their biological effects even more. I still would have the owners of the animals do the holding in order to decrease your own body's exposure over the years. I am pleased that you are pleased. There is so much misinformation about low-dose radiation risks on the Internet, I am glad that you found the HPS Website. Robert L. Brent, MD, PhD
Answer posted on 30 May 2002. The information and material posted on this website 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 Website. 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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