Do people who receive medical radiation procedures emit more radiation than the background radiation? If so, is that why they are not allowed near a baby or other people

Yes, people who have therapy doses administered in nuclear medicine clinics do emit more radiation than background radiation. That is why they are given instructions to limit their time with babies, children, and pregnant women while the material is being removed from their body.

You can read more information on guidelines for patients receiving radiotherapy treatment on the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging website.

Marcia Hartman

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