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Energy in waves quick check
X ray technicians wear protective gear to keep them safe from the x rays why are x rays dangerous
X ray technicians wear protective gear to keep them safe from the x rays why are x rays dangerous
Answers
GPT-4o mini
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, which means they have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially causing damage to living tissue and DNA. Here are a few reasons why X-rays can be dangerous:
1. **Cell Damage**: Ionizing radiation can cause direct damage to the cells and tissues by altering their structure and function. This damage can lead to cell death or dysfunction.
2. **Cancer Risk**: Prolonged exposure to X-rays increases the risk of developing cancer. The DNA damage caused by X-rays can lead to mutations that may result in malignant transformations.
3. **Accumulation of Exposure**: The risk from X-rays is cumulative, meaning that repeated exposure increases the likelihood of harmful effects over time.
4. **Effects on Sensitive Tissues**: Certain tissues in the body, like bone marrow and the reproductive organs, are more sensitive to radiation and are at a higher risk of damage from X-ray exposure.
To mitigate these risks, X-ray technicians use protective gear, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, to minimize their exposure to radiation during procedures.
1. **Cell Damage**: Ionizing radiation can cause direct damage to the cells and tissues by altering their structure and function. This damage can lead to cell death or dysfunction.
2. **Cancer Risk**: Prolonged exposure to X-rays increases the risk of developing cancer. The DNA damage caused by X-rays can lead to mutations that may result in malignant transformations.
3. **Accumulation of Exposure**: The risk from X-rays is cumulative, meaning that repeated exposure increases the likelihood of harmful effects over time.
4. **Effects on Sensitive Tissues**: Certain tissues in the body, like bone marrow and the reproductive organs, are more sensitive to radiation and are at a higher risk of damage from X-ray exposure.
To mitigate these risks, X-ray technicians use protective gear, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, to minimize their exposure to radiation during procedures.