Are X-Rays Harmful?

Are x-ray hamful ?

X-rays are one of the most used apparatus in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities worldwide. It is used to visibly see a bone fracture, a swallowed object, if there's liquid in your lungs, and any other parts of your body without having the doctors open your body up right away. It is an indispensable apparatus which saves doctors time and effort and saves you some money from major surgical operation costs. But, we all know, as a rule of life that everything comes with its pros and cons. So with all of these benefits we get from using X-rays in helping diagnose patients, is exposure to X-ray machines bring disadvantages, too?

Are X-Rays Harmful?

X-ray machines release electromagnetic energy that lets you see your bones, and organs without surgery. This light energy released in the machine is known to be high in radiation. The X-ray is a form of an ionizing radiation which causes chemical reactions to cells when these cells are exposed to the energy emitted by the X-ray machine. You see, when the X-ray hits an atom, the electron of an atom changed into a charged ion that can cause the harmful chemical reactions.
For one, an electrically charged ion can break DNA chains in the body. This can either kill a lot of the living cells inside your body or can cause a mutation. If the number of cells that dies inside you is more than what your body can handle, you may develop diseases and other conditions. On the other hand, if these cells mutate, these can form cancerous tumors that may later on spread on the other parts of the body.
Furthermore, if the cells that mutate are include sperm or egg cells; you may have children with birth defects later on in life. Lastly, X-rays can also have an effect on your bone marrow damaging the cells found on it therefore affecting your hair follicles and skin which causes rashes, hair loss, and other harmful effects.
Because of the risks X-rays can cause due to prolonged or repeated exposures, doctors, dentists and other health care professionals use X-ray machines with a lot of caution and concern. Patients and other people who are being exposed with X-ray machines are asked to wear protective gears just to be safe. X-rays should not be taken unless they are deemed to be necessary or as advice by a doctor as each exposure is harmful to the body.

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