Protecting Women From Radiation: The Benefits of X-Ray Aprons
Medical professionals are exposed to a variety of dangers every day. They may accidentally poke themselves with a used sharp or face a client who is not in their right mind. Steps must be taken to protect these workers whenever possible, and X-ray aprons are one tool organizations use today to protect their staff members. The X-ray apron ensures a worker’s exposure to radiation is minimized. Why is this especially important for women in the medical and dental fields today?
Pregnant Women and Exposure to Radiation
Pregnant women must take care when they are around radiation. Women who could be pregnant also need to be careful, as radiation has been shown to be harmful to a developing fetus. This does not mean a woman should put off a needed medical procedure for fear of being exposed to radiation. However, females working with radiation as part of their job duties must take care.
Medical and dental facilities should invest in protective devices such as X-ray aprons for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Exposure to radiation during pregnancy could lead to a miscarriage, particularly if the exposure is during the first two weeks after conception. There is also a higher risk to fetuses in the first eight weeks of development. As the fetus develops, the risks drop, although there is always some level of concern.
Radiation and Breast Cancer
Organizations need to invest in protective devices for women to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown radiation is directly linked to breast cancer today, and the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have both declared radiation to be a known human carcinogen. The link between radiation and breast cancer was first learned after America dropped the atomic bomb on Japan in World War II. Studies conducted since that event have confirmed the connection, and X-rays aren’t the only source of ionizing radiation in medical facilities. Workers who perform CT scans and fluoroscopy procedures also need to be protected from radiation.
Radiation and Fertility
Radiation is used to destroy cancer cells in the body. When this radiation is used to treat a woman’s pelvic area, it might affect her fertility. This depends in part on the portion of the pelvis that is being treated and the amount of radiation used to treat the area. The reproductive organs absorb this radiation, leading to most women becoming infertile. However, measures might be taken to protect fertility, so a woman should always talk to her doctor to see what they think should be done.
If the uterus is the target of the radiation, the woman might still be able to have children. However, she may have complications during the pregnancy, particularly if the radiation treatments took place when she was a child before her uterus grew to adult size. The obstetrician must know of any radiation treatments the woman has had to develop a plan for preserving the pregnancy.
Women must know of the risks associated with radiation. When they are aware of the dangers, steps can be taken to reduce these risks. X-ray aprons are frequently used for this purpose, and a woman might find there are other options available to them. Speak with the medical provider to determine the best way to minimize the risks, as every woman needs excellent medical care that won’t do additional harm to their body or their developing child.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more