Document Detail


Radiation risks: Critical analysis and commentary.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22227282     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVES: 1) To review and summarize what is known about the health risks of radiation. 2) To compare risks from medical imaging to background radiation and to exposure from nuclear accidents. METHODS: Literature review and summative critical analysis. RESULTS: Over the past several years, physicians and patients have become increasingly aware of the potential risks of radiation exposure from medical imaging. The Fukushima disaster further heightened public awareness of hazards associated with radiation and radioactivity. In the case of medical imaging, small but real risks of cancer and other radiation-induced disease must be balanced against potential benefits of improved diagnostic accuracy. The ethical principle of autonomy tells us that patients should be informed of potential benefits and harms of radiation imaging, and should participate in shared decision making. In the case of nuclear power, benefits and especially harms are exceptionally difficult to estimate accurately. Nevertheless, we know that hazards from today's nuclear power plants will persist for many years, affecting future generations not benefiting from electrical power generated today. CONCLUSIONS: A deeper and more widespread understanding of potential benefits and harms of personal and societal choices relating to radiation exposure may lead to improved medical and societal decision-making.
Authors:
Bruce Barrett; Melissa Stiles; Jeff Patterson
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-12-29
Journal Detail:
Title:  Preventive medicine     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1096-0260     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-1-9     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0322116     Medline TA:  Prev Med     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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