Risk and Safety in Radiographic Utilization: Evaluating the Evidence From Current Research

The 19^th-century discovery of radiographic imaging techniques revolutionized healthcare, allowing doctors to indirectly "see" inside their living patients. It was not until the mid-20^th century that mutagenic effects from radiation exposure became a topic of concern. Since then, healthcare providers, scientists, and regulatory agencies have battled the question, "Does radiation exposure from radiographic imaging increase the risk of developing cancers and heritable conditions?" With no established answer, physicians must rely on the available evidence when assessing the risk versus benefit of having their patients x-rayed. This review aims to gather and consolidate the available evidence so physicians can make informed decisions when ordering tests that use x-rays. Popular topics such as the linear-no-threshold (LNT) model, radiation hormesis, and the as-low-as-reasonably-achievable (ALARA) principle are covered. Epidemiology studies, x-ray physics, and related basic sciences are reviewed.