X-ray Radiation and Dose-Reduction Techniques

When x-ray radiation penetrates an object, part of its energy is transferred to the object and causes changes in the object’s material. During the energy transfer, an x-ray can indirectly produce ion pairs in the tissue. The ion pairs react with other chemical systems and cause radiation damage. Alternatively, the x-rays may strike and break molecular bonds, such as those in DNA, and cause direct damage.