X-Ray Harmful To Unborn Child

A radiographer, Mr Uchenna Dike, on Monday said wrong use of X-ray could be harmful to an unborn child.

Dike made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said noted that though X-ray could be used as a diagnostic facility, it could be harmful to humans if not properly administered.

Dike identified some of the harmful effects on patient, including the unborn child to include stunted growth, deformity, abnormal brain function or cancer, among others.

NAN reports that a radiographer assists in the diagnostic and theuraphetic aspects of medicine, thereby ensuring that physicians diagnose correctly to adequately treat their patients.

The radiographer demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to patient, self and other members of the healthcare team during X-ray procedures.

Dike said registered radiographers were expected to always weigh the benefits of X-ray on a patient, as against the hazard.

In reference to a pregnant woman undergoing X-ray session, he said that the radiographer would consider the health condition of such a patient before administration, to avoid endangering the life of the unborn child.

“Imaging scientists or radiographers are authorised by law to dispense ionizing radiation to help, if the benefits outweigh the risks.

“This is done within approved dose limits and optimised exposure factors to reduce the risk of cancer and other radiation diseases.

“Radiation exposure before birth can increase a person’s risk of getting cancer later in life.

“Unborn babies are especially sensitive to the cancer causing effects of radiation.

“The increase in the risk depend on the amount of radiation to which the baby and patient are exposed and the amount of time that it was exposed,’’ Dike said.