Radiation hazards of diagnostic radiology

A review is given concerning radiation hazards to patients and staff in diagnostic radiology. Topics covered include the nature of radiation hazards, risk levels, individual organ radiosensitivities, the principle of justification for radiological examinations and ways of reducing radiation hazards by ensuring that equipment operates at a high level of efficiency and by maintaining high professional standards and practices. Finally radiation hazards to women of reproductive age are discussed. (UK)