Radiation doses to the population of the USSR due to X-ray diagnosis and measures for its minimization

Analysis of dose burdens owing to medical X-ray studies is carried out in comparison with sick rate and mortality in various regions of the USSR, which defines the efficiency of radiological aid in an indirect way. It is shown that at present effective equivalent dose for the population of the USSR is 1.2-1.5 mSv/year. Irradiation during roentgenoscopy and radiophotography of chest organs, as well as roentgenoscopy of gastrointestinal tract without X-ray image intensifiers, is a considerable part of radiation at the expense of medical X-ray examinations. Reduction and ordering of these studies, as well as application of X-ray image intensifiers, will permit to decrease dose burden on the population. Organization of roentgenological service as an independent scientific-methodological and practical unit directly subordinated to health protection departments will promote the reduction of the population irradiation