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.	HPS and CRCPD Proclaim 8-14 November 2009 as National Radiation Protection Professionals Week
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.	NRC Academic Program Nuclear Education Grants, FY2010, Now Accepting Applications
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.	EPA's STAR Graduate and GRO Undergraduate Fellowship Funding Now Accepting Applications

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.	2010 HPS Midyear Topical Meeting Radiation Risk Communication to the Public 24-27 January 2010 Albuquerque, NM
.	2010 HPS Professional Development School Radiation Risk Communication: Issues and Solutions 27-29 January 2010 Albuquerque, NM

07 November 2009

Answer to Question #6547 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Equipment

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

I had to take my 19-month-old daughter to the hospital for blood work. The laboratory was also used for x-ray procedures. We had to walk past the room where they did x rays and sit in the next room. I have two questions. Could my daughter have gotten scatter radiation from the wall? We did walk by the room (I could see the x-ray machine). Does the machine emit radiation when not in use? I know they did x ray one person while we were there. I am worried that she was exposed to radiation.

X-ray machines only emit radiation for the period of time in which they are actually producing the x-ray image. States have rules in effect that regulate the use of x-ray equipment. These regulations typically require facilities to evaluate each x-ray installation for need of shielding. Typically the shielding in the walls is lead and protects individuals who either pass by the room or who are working there a number of hours each day. In this case, the radiation dose to you and your daughter is very low and the risk of radiation-induced effects is nonexistent.

Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP

Answer posted on 20 June 2007. 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.