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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #3227 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects — Genetic Effects

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I recently had two chest x rays. A lead shield was used to cover my testes. My wife and I are currently trying to conceive a child, and we would like to know if the radiation from the x rays may have affected the sperm developing in my testes in a manner that may increase the chance of a child conceived from any such sperm having a deformity or disease.

The dose to the testes from chest x rays is so small that it cannot be detected with ordinary instruments. It is far less than the average American receives in a day from unavoidable natural environmental radiation. There is no conclusive evidence of a genetic effect of radiation (even in high doses) in humans. Therefore, you should not be concerned about conceiving a child after chest x rays.

S. Julian Gibbs, PhD, DDS

Answer posted on 19 November 2003. 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.