The ionising properties of x-rays mean they can damage the DNA in cells. Low doses of X-rays can cause cancer- but high doses can kill cancerous cells.
Cancer Treatment
One method of treating cancer is to direct high energy X-rays at the tumours. This causes so much damage to the cancerous cells that they die. This treatment is called radiotherapy.
Precautions when using Xrays
Patients are limited to a number of x-rays so they arent exposed to too much radiation. Hospital staff are also at the risk from repeated exposure to low levels of x-rays.
Shielded walls containing lead are built into all X-ray rooms to protect people outside the room. They routinely leave the room, or stand behind a screen containing lead, whenever X-ray machines are in use. In situations where radiographers cannot stand behind a screen, they wear lead aprons which act as a protective layer of clothing.
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