X Ray
Are X-rays safe?
Source: NHS
In this topic (7)
People are often concerned about being exposed to radiation during an X-ray. However,the part of your body being examined will only be exposed to a low level of radiationfor a fraction of a second.
Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during an X-ray is the equivalent to between a fewdays and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.
Being exposed to X-rays does carry a risk ofcausing cancer many years or decades later,but this risk is thought to be verysmall.
For example,an X-ray of your chest, limbs or teeth is equivalenttoa few days' worth of background radiation, and has less than a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of causing cancer. For more information,see GOV.UK: patient dose information .
The benefits and risks of having an X-ray will be weighed up before it's recommended. Talk to your doctor or radiographer about the potential risks beforehand, if you have any concerns.