Whenever you have an x-ray at the dentist, the technician covers you with a lead blanket and steps out of the room. This is because the machine releases a small amount of radiation. When it comes to imaging procedures like these (as well as CT scans, ultrasounds, etc.) many patients feel a certain amount of anxiety over this radiation exposure— is it a lot? How much is harmful?
However, did you know that you are actually exposed to regular doses of radiation in your daily life from many different things? Let’s take a look at some of these sources and put things into perspective.
Some Sources of Radiation
You might be surprised to find that you are exposed to various doses of radiation in your everyday life. Some of these radiation examples in everyday life include:
TVs and Computer Monitors - The average American watches about 4.5 hours of television per day, or sits in front of a computer screen for 8+ hours a day. All that while, both kinds of screens are actually emitting trace amounts of radiation.
Drinking-Water - Much of the country’s drinking water contains some level of radiation. This radiation comes from rocks, soil, and gases that flow into the natural water sources and end up in your faucet.
Electronics - Various electronics around your house that are used everyday can emit both small and large doses of radiation. Examples include microwave ovens, cell phones, lamps, watches, TVs, and even some clocks.
Radon - One of the more concerning sources of everyday radiation comes from radon. Many homes have radon, which comes from the natural breakdown of radioactive metals in the earth. If not tested and treated, it can expose you to pretty steep radiation levels. But in general, because it is a naturally occurring process, it’s something we are always exposed to at least a little bit.
Airport Security - This might be one of the sources you’re more familiar with. When you go through security at the airport, you are exposed to radiation as you enter the body scanner. Flying also exposes you to cosmic radiation.
Smoking - In case you needed another reason to quit smoking here’s a radiation-related one: depending on the brand of cigarettes and the ingredients, smoking can expose you to rather damaging levels of radiation.
Using natural gas in your home or gardening can also expose you to radiation. Certain levels are found in soil and natural gases. Some of this radiation is inhaled while other is consumed through water and plants. As you can see, radiation exposure is probably more common that you thought.
Radiation and Diagnostic Imaging
We say all this not to scare you away from everyday life— but to put imaging tests (that are often crucial for medical purposes) into more perspective. Most people don’t realize that radiation during diagnostic imaging tests is actually less than or comparable to what they are already exposed to in their daily lives. The idea that getting an x-ray will expose you to more drastic levels of radiation than you would ever get naturally is misleading. Diagnostic imaging like a CT scan is not only very safe but critical to diagnosing diseases and disorders that are treatable and survivable.
Get Your Imaging Test Today
With all of this in mind, we hope that you can now schedule your imaging appointments with a little more peace of mind. When you book your appointment, make sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of your recommended procedure and how they’ll be effective in your diagnosis!