Medical radiation exposures from diagnostic x-ray procedures in India

Medical exposures primarily refer to exposures to individuals as part of their own diagnosis or treatment. Diagnostic radiology continues to be the largest contributor to the effective dose to the population from all man-made sources of radiation. It is estimated that in India there are, on an average 105 x-ray examinations per 1000 persons per year, and that the annual per caput effective dose from medical exposures is 0.02 mSv. On the basis of consideration of benefit versus risk, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) does not specify dose limits for medical exposure. The International Atomic Energy Agency stipulates that guidance levels for doses for each radiological procedure must be established. From a review of the doses to patients in diagnostic radiology reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, it is observed that medical x-ray exposure is quite low in India. This could be attributed to the low frequency of x-ray examinations in the country and partly to good quality equipment, safe work practices and the type and frequency of a particular type of examination. (author). 10 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs