Abstract

The number of computed tomographic (CT) studies performed is increasing rapidly. Because CT scans involve much higher doses of radiation than plain films, we are seeing a marked increase in radiation exposure in the general population. Epidemiologic studies indicate that the radiation dose from even two or three CT scans results in a detectable increase in the risk of cancer, especially in children. This article summarizes the facts about this form of radiation exposure and the implications for public health.

Keywords

MedicineRadiation exposureComputed tomographyComputed tomographicRadiation doseRadiationNuclear medicinePopulationRadiologyEnvironmental healthOptics

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Publication Info

Year
2007
Type
review
Volume
357
Issue
22
Pages
2277-2284
Citations
8500
Access
Closed

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David J. Brenner, Eric J. Hall (2007). Computed Tomography — An Increasing Source of Radiation Exposure. New England Journal of Medicine , 357 (22) , 2277-2284. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra072149

Identifiers

DOI
10.1056/nejmra072149