X-rays
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation capable of travelling through materials. X-ray technology is an invaluable tool in medicine, industry,
scientific research, and security. For instance, it can be used to observe broken bones and swallowed objects, track blood flow in patients,
and check for cavities. X-rays can also be used to diagnose cancer, kill bacteria in food, detect flaws in machinery or products, analyse the
structure of crystals or distant stars, and scan baggage at airports.
X-rays are highly energetic and can cause the material through which it is passing to become charged, or ionized. Ionization can
damage cells or DNA in living matter. However, used with caution, the benefits of x-rays far outweigh their risks.
For general information about the benefits and risks of using x-rays
For risk assessments and surveys of medical x-ray facilities
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Assessment and Management of Cancer Risks from Radiological and Chemical Hazards, 1998
This report concentrates on the assessment and management of ionizing radiation and genotoxic chemicals. The report
also examines public more than occupational exposures from man-made rather than naturally occurring agents.
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Diagnostic X-Ray Equipment Compliance and Facility Survey, 1994 [Price $12.95]
Unnecessary irradiations to patients from radiological procedures can be significantly reduced with little or no
decrease in the value of medical diagnostic information. This can be achieved by using well designed x-ray equipment
which is installed, used and maintained by trained personnel, and by the adoption of standardized procedures.
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Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Assurance: An overview, 1996
Part I
Part II
This article outlines the essential aspects of a quality assurance program and is intended to encourage the review of
a moderate-sized hospital's x-ray imaging quality assurance procedures. The article is divided into two parts. Part I
discusses the essential aspects of a QA program recommended for implementation in moderate-sized hospital's x-ray facilities.
Part II contains detailed worksheets designed to help radiology personnel charged with reviewing their current diagnostic x-ray
imaging QA procedures.
For medical x-ray safety guidelines and review
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An Inexpensive Medical X-Ray Image Quality Control Test Tool
The Canadian Journal of Medical Radiation Technology, October 1999, 31(1), pgs. 5-8.
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Safety Code 20A. X-Ray Equipment in Medical Diagnosis Part A: Recommended Safety Procedures for Installation and Use, 1980 (revised 1999)
Included in this Code are sections for the specific guidance of the radiologist, the physician, the operator and the medical or health
physicist concerned with safety procedures, equipment performances and protection surveys.
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Safety Code 28. Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine, 1991
The safety procedures, equipment and installation guidelines detailed in this Code are primarily for the instruction and guidance
of persons employed in Federal Public Service departments and agencies, as well as those under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.
Facilities under provincial jurisdiction may be subject to requirements specified under provincial statutes.
- Safety Code 30. Radiation Protection in Dentistry, 1999 (revised 2000)
Provides specific guidance to the dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant and other support personnel concerned with safety
procedures and equipment performance. This Code supersedes Safety Code 22, entitled "Radiation protection in dental practice".
- Safety Code 31. Radiation Protection in Computed Tomography Installations, 1994
This Safety Code is concerned with the protection of all individuals who may be exposed to radiation emitted by CT-X-ray equipment
used in diagnostic radiology.
- X-ray and Gamma Photon Bone Densitometry in Clinical Diagnosis - A Review
For analytical x-ray safety guidelines
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Radiation Safety for Baggage X-Ray Inspection Systems (Manual), 1994
This book is intended to present concepts necessary for an elementary but comprehensive knowledge of radiation safety.
The problems given at the end of most chapters provide the reader with the opportunity of applying the material presented in
the chapters to situations of practical interest.
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Safety Code 29. Requirements for the Safe Use of Baggage X-Ray Inspection Systems, 1993
Supersedes Safety Code 21 and is in accordance with the 1990 International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)
objectives. The Code provides the safety guidelines and procedures that must be followed to reduce and possibly eliminate any
adverse biological health effect of radiation exposure.
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Safety Code 32. Safety Requirements and Guidance or Analytical X-ray Equipment, 1994
Provides requirements and guidance to ensure radiation risks from analytical x-ray equipment remain low. Specific responsibilities
for the equipment owner, user and maintenance personnel are outlined. Information on safety procedures, standards, surveillance and
monitoring is also provided.
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Safety Code 34. Radiation Protection and Safety for Industrial X-ray Equipment, 2003
Provides regulatory requirements and guidance in accordance with IAEA and ICRP radiation protection objectives to ensure the
safe use of industrial x-ray equipment for radiography purposes. Specific responsibilities and roles are outlined for the equipment
manufacturer, owner, radiation safety officer, certified operators and clients seeking industrial radiography services. Guidance information
on radiation safety training, personnel monitoring, survey meters and emergency procedures is provided.
For information related to x-ray regulations
For information on what Health Canada does to protect Canadians in this area
To make an inquiry regarding X-rays
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