The Work of the National and International Committees on X-ray and Radium Protection

Abstract

X-RAYS during the past thirty-five years have grown potentially more dangerous. They have increased in penetration, consequently are more difficult to shield. Higher penetration, necessitating higher line voltages, brings with it a greater electrical hazard. Furthermore, the tube currents are higher; hence, stray dosage is heavier. Of course, we have an advantage over the pioneer X-ray workers in that we know a great deal about the properties of X-rays which they did not, so, by applying well established physical principles, we know better how to protect ourselves. The problem is carefully to determine the sources of danger and either eliminate them or provide protection against them. This is not simple, for it is practically impossible to completely absorb X-rays or gamma rays. We must be content to reduce their intensity to the point at which they are relatively harmless. In doing this we must balance the cost of equipment and ease of operation against the tolerance dose which may be received in a given...