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Radiation causes ionization in the molecules of living cells. At low doses, such as what we receive every day from normal background radiation, the cells repair all of the damage quickly. At higher doses (up to 100 rem) the cells might not be able to repair all of the damage, and the cells may either be changed permanently or die. Many cells that die are of little consequence since the body can simply replace them.
When Radiation Exposure Becomes a Concern
Cells changed permanently may go on to produce abnormal cells when they divide. In certain circumstances, these cells may become cancerous. This is the origin of our increased risk of cancer as a result of radiation exposure.
Most radiation interactions would not have any discernable effect; but there is a small probability that the interaction could cause some damage to cellular DNA. If an altered molecule as the result of radiation exposure happens to be a biologically important one such as DNA, then that molecule may be unable to perform its biological function. Or worse, it may be altered in such a way as to cause genetic damage that can potentially lead to cancer or birth defects.
How Can I Be Safe
Obviously, increased radiation exposure can increase our chances of illness. Therefore, monitoring your occupational radiation exposure over time is important. This will ensure that you will not experience any significant health risk. In the rare case where an X-ray machine malfunction or some procedural errors exists, unacceptably high levels of exposure can be detected early and before any real danger occurs.
Wearing a film or TLD badge every day is important to your health and safety and you should confer with your dosimetry provider regarding proper types and usage.
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