How safe is radiation in the operating theatre?

This research paper explores the safety of radiation in the operating theatre. It discusses the potential risks of radiation exposure and looks at how these can be minimized. The paper also assesses the benefits of using radiation in surgery, and how these outweigh the risks.

Radiation is a type of energy that is emitted from sources such as x-ray machines and radioactive materials. It can be either ionizing or non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, which can damage cells and lead to cancer. Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, but it can still cause damage to cells.

The human body is constantly exposed to background radiation from natural sources such as the sun and cosmic rays, as well as man-made sources such as medical x-rays. The average person is exposed to about 3 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation per year.

Most people are not at risk of developing cancer from this level of exposure. However, the risk increases with higher levels of radiation exposure. For example, people who work with radioactive materials or who have had multiple CT scans have a higher risk of developing cancer.

The risks of radiation exposure can be minimized by using lead shields and keeping the dose of radiation as low as possible. The benefits of using radiation in surgery generally outweigh the risks. Radiation can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors prior to surgery. It can also be used to guide surgeons during delicate procedures.

Overall, the risks of radiation exposure in the operating theatre are low. However, it is important to minimize exposure as much as possible to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

References:

1. National Cancer Institute. (2018). Radiation Exposure and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/radiation-fact-sheet

2. Mayo Clinic. (2017). Ionizing Radiation: Definition, Sources and Dangers. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ionizing-radiation/about/pac-20384908

3. United States Food and Drug Administration. (2015). Radiation: What You Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/ResourcesForYou RadiationConsumer