X-Ray Room Radiation Safety

           X-rays are a potentially hazardous type of ionizing radiation mainly used in hospitals to produce images of the body's internal organs and bones. The most dangerous part of the X-ray machine, the focus of X-ray radiation, is known as the "incident beam."Basic Precautions
One reason X-ray radiation is potentially dangerous to humans is that it cannot be sensed striking the body. Some patients experience a tingling sensation when close to X-rays, but this is the result of charged air particles caused by radiation interacting with the air, not by the radiation itself.
Monitoring Exposure
Radiologists wear personal radiation detection devices to warn of harmful exposure. Known as Luxel aluminum oxide or thermo-luminescence dosimeters, they are worn in the form of a badge and emit light in proportion to the amount of radiation exposure they receive.
X-Ray Protection
X-rays are able to pass through most materials--hence their ability to provide images of internal organs and bones. This also means they can pass through normal walls and enclosures, potentially putting others at risk. Modern X-ray rooms are lined with lead, which prevents X-rays from escaping. Lead aprons are also used to protect parts of the patient's body from unwanted radiation exposure during imaging.
Electrical Safety
X-ray machines also can pose a risk of serious electric shock. The X-ray generator within the machine requires a 40 to 50 kilovolt (40,000 to 50,000 volt) direct-current (DC) power supply. In addition, the X-ray machine contains several large capacitors that store enough electricity to seriously injure or kill a person.
Radiation Levels
All people are exposed to naturally occurring radiation every day.Each medical X-ray examination gives a patient an additional dose of radiation on top of the amount he naturally receives in the course of a day. The dose depends on the procedure and the area of the body being examined, ranging from the equivalent of a few days of natural radiation (teeth, arm, leg, chest, hand and foot X-rays) to the equivalent of a few years (kidney, bladder, stomach and colon X-rays).