Living and Working Near an X-Ray Room

Q
Is it safe for me to live or work next to or near an x-ray room?
A

Yes, if the x-ray room is in a facility that complies with x-ray regulations. Typically, states or countries have rules in effect that regulate the use of x-ray equipment. All rooms containing fixed x-ray equipment must be evaluated for shielding to keep x-ray dose to people in adjacent areas below regulatory limits.

The amount of shielding required is specified by a qualified radiation expert (QRE) and is designed to limit the radiation dose directly outside of a room or facility to 1 millisievert (mSv) per year or less (note that 1 mSv is less than the radiation dose an individual in the United States receives from natural background radiation every year). This is usually the regulatory dose limit for members of the general public.

In addition, a QRE evaluates the installed shielding by performing an area radiation survey of the x-ray room. This is to verify that the shielding was installed properly and that the installed shielding protects people outside the room as expected.

You can contact the government agency that regulates the use of x rays where you live to determine if a particular facility is registered and inspected as an x-ray facility and is in compliance with state regulations.

Kennith "Duke" Lovins, CHP

 

The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.