SAFETY FOR RADIOLOGIST AND PATIENT IN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC RADIOLOGY

The discovery of the therapeutic properties of x-rays was the outcome of the observation of damage to tissues as the result of prolonged exposure. Any therapeutic agent that is dangerous to tissues or to life must be administered according to standardized dosage, which must be determined by experience and animal experimentation. Before the dangerous properties of x-rays were known, some of the early patients were the victims. Steps were then taken to attempt to prescribe a safe limit for irradiation, but several years elapsed before this could be accomplished in an entirely satisfactory manner. The operator of the equipment was exposed to the radiation to a less amount than the patient, but continually, and the early roentgenologists, technicians, and even manufacturers became the victims of damage to their skin which was later found to be irreparable. The chronic and irritated ulcerations became the seat of cancerous degenerations in many instances