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. 2010 HPS Midyear Topical Meeting
Radiation Risk Communication to the Public
24-27 January 2010
Albuquerque, NM
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Radiation Risk Communication: Issues and Solutions
27-29 January 2010
Albuquerque, NM
21 November 2009

Answer to Question #1494 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
I am pregnant and had a chest x ray. A lead apron was used as protection. Will this harm my baby?
A
Radiation dose to the embryo from a chest x ray, using modern technology, is extremely small. It is, in fact, too small to measure with most instruments. It is certainly no more than the dose received in a couple of days from unavoidable naturally occurring environmental radiation (commonly called background). Although no one can state unequivocally that there is no possibility of ill effects from this small dose, the probability of such effects is extremely remote. Every person gets the natural environmental radiation dose every day. S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD
Answer posted on 13 December 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site 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 Web site. 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.
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