An introduction to radiation protection in veterinary radiography

X-rays are a form of ionising radiation. When x-rays interact with living tissues they produce electrically charged particles which can damage living tissues (Sherer et al, 2011). The two kinds of effects from ionising radiation are stochastic and deterministic effects, described in Table 1.

It is important to note that as there is no safe level of exposure to ionising radiation, any level exposure can cause cancer (Sherer et al, 2011). Historically, radiation protection in the veterinary context has meant protecting humans from harmful effects of radiation. Even though the topic is not properly addressed elsewhere in veterinary literature, it should be borne in mind that exposure to ionising radiation is also potentially harmful to the veterinary patient. However, when x-rays are used properly the benefits to the patient in terms of improved diagnosis greatly outweigh the risks. With respect to human staff, there is clearly no benefit whatsoever to a person being exposed to radiation as a consequence of their job. It should therefore be considered that any reduction of radiation exposure to a patient will also result in a lower exposure to staff members, should they be within the controlled area.