Kids’ exposure to radiation may be too much, too soon

CT scans may expose kids to too much radiation

A large study revealed that American children may be exposed to seven radiation scans on average by the time they reach 18. This figure has researchers and health officials concerned because repeated and prolonged exposure to radiation may significantly increase the risk of cancer.

Some of the common screening tests like X-rays use little radiation. But other imaging tests such as CT scans emit far more radiation. Dental x-rays were not included in the survey.

The findings were published Monday in the online version of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

Researchers found that 42 percent of kids underwent one radiation procedure while 25 percent had two or three tests within a three year period. Eight percent had at least one CT scan and three percent had at least two.

"That's particularly concerning," said study author Dr. Adam Dorfman of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. "Today's children are undoubtedly getting many more of these studies than previous generations."

American patients are steadily being exposed to more radiation than in the past since the increased use of CT scans in recent years. Scans of the head and tummy were the most common CT scans performed on children. CT scans are being used in children in emergency rooms in cases of suspected appendicitis or brain injuries. A few facilities are attempting to lessen radiation exposure of children by using ultrasound for some cases.

Researchers are especially worried about radiation exposure of children since their tissues are more vulnerable. An earlier study shows that the risk of an infant developing cancer from a CT scan of the abdomen is eight times higher compared to a 50-year-old's risk.

Posted by George Daniels on Tuesday January 04 2011, 1:03 AM EDT. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0