Studies on the quantity of radiation reaching the gonadal areas during dermatologic x-ray therapy. II. Methods, quantitative measurements, and analyses of some important factors influencing the gonad-dose.

Abstract

Man has now harnessed the atom and is busy finding new ways to apply its enormous energies for constructive and peaceful purposes as well as for destructive wartime uses. It is not only right but essential that there be concern regarding the potential harm that these developments and the ensuing release of radioactive materials may cause the human race unless man keeps busy also developing the necessary precautions and protective measures. All physicians must be concerned not only regarding man's exposures to the fall-out from the atom or hydrogen bombs, but also regarding his exposures to the ionizing radiation from medical x-ray apparatus and from such radioactive materials as radium, Co60, I131, and P32, as used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. With the increasing applications of atomic energy and the greater use of diagnostic and therapeutic x-radiation and radioactive isotopes it was only