Radiation is essentially energy that can originate from many different sources. We are exposed to radiation constantly from our water, soil, air, and other natural, everyday sources. This natural radiation is unavoidable and low enough in intensity to not pose any serious danger to people over time. In addition to natural exposure, people can also be deliberately exposed to controlled levels of radiation for medical purposes in the form of computed tomography (CT) scans. These scans emit radiation in the form of X-rays, which is a form of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation has enough energy to knock electrons off of atoms, causing them to become charged. The ionization of atoms in a patient’s tissue damages their DNA molecules, and this damage can sometimes lead to the development of cancer. However, since these ionizing X-rays can pass through the body, radiologists can use them to produce useful images of a patient’s internal anatomy, which usually outweighs the low risk of cancer.
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