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Answer to Question #4430 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Security Screening — Airport Screening The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
In reference to airport "carry-on" luggage x-ray machines, and
understanding that these types of machines radiate levels of x-ray
energy that are below doses that a human might expect to be exposed to
in many other situations, my question is: in your best estimation,
would such a device pose a significant health or fertility risk to a
small reptile? I know there may not be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
(DVM) among you, but an educated guess would also be helpful.
A
Well, I have to admit this is a first . . . at least for me! Interesting question. We actually do have DVMs on staff at my institution so I asked one of them. Although he couldn't be more specific, this was his reply: "I can say that in general, metabolic functions in cold-blooded species are slower than in warm-blooded species. That probably includes mitotic function in a gonad. Because radiation is most disruptive or destructive to rapidly mitotic tissues (gut, bone marrow, lymphoid tissue), my expectation would be that reptiles would be MORE resistant to the effects of irradiation than a mammal. I know that is true of much 'lower' life forms, such as insects." Since the amount of exposure emitted in one of these units would be orders of magnitude less than the radiation exposure needed to cause health or fertility risks in humans then, based on our DVM's information, there would be no harm to a reptile. Kelly Classic
Answer posted on 22 April 2005. 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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