Can We Measure Radiation Exposure in the Human Body?

Is it possible to measure the amount of radiation exposure in the human body?

Hello Director Wang, about six months ago, I was potentially exposed to approximately 30 seconds of radiation due to a colleague's improper use of a handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescence) metal element analyzer.
Although I saw on the official website that the energy is below 50 keV, which is far lower than medical radiation, and I did not experience any discomfort at the time, I am still very concerned about whether this exposure could have any effects on my health.
I would like to ask if I can determine the radiation dose if I seek medical attention now, or what potential long-term effects this exposure might have on my body.
Thank you.

Parker, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/04

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello, radiation is a form of energy.
Currently known radiation detection methods cannot measure the radiation levels at the time of exposure after the exposure has occurred, similar to sunbathing; sunlight does not remain on the skin, and after sun exposure, one cannot calculate the amount of solar energy received at that time.
The human body is composed of numerous cells in various tissues and organs.
When exposed to a significant amount of radiation, cells may exhibit the following responses: 1.
Low-dose radiation may not affect cellular metabolism or delay normal cycles, and after some time, cells can self-repair and return to normal.
Generally, diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine examinations involve low-dose radiation, which is less hazardous than smoking.
2.
High-dose short-term exposure or low-dose long-term exposure can damage cells, causing them to lose their ability to divide and reproduce, ultimately leading to cell death.
3.
If damaged cells divide abnormally, changes in the genetic material (DNA) of germ cells may affect offspring, and abnormal development in individual cells may lead to tumor formation.
4.
If the energy is very high, irradiated cells may swell and rupture immediately.
If you have been exposed to low-dose radiation, cells can typically self-repair and return to normal after some time, with a risk level lower than that of smoking.
If you experience redness, swelling, heat, or pain in the irradiated area, it may indicate biological effects caused by radiation, where the energy has harmed cellular function.
In such cases (redness, swelling, heat, pain), it is advisable to seek medical attention to prevent complications such as infections.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2019/01/04

More Info

Radiation exposure in the human body is a significant concern, especially in the context of medical imaging and occupational exposure. To address your question, it is important to understand how radiation exposure is measured, the potential effects of exposure, and the limitations of current medical assessments.

Firstly, radiation exposure is typically measured in units such as millisieverts (mSv) or grays (Gy). These units quantify the amount of radiation absorbed by the body. However, once exposure occurs, it is not possible to measure the exact amount of radiation that was absorbed after the fact. This is similar to how one cannot measure the amount of sunlight absorbed by the skin after sunbathing; the effects may be observed, but the exact exposure cannot be quantified retrospectively.

In your case, you mentioned being exposed to a handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescence) device for about 30 seconds. The energy level of the radiation emitted by such devices is generally low (below 50 keV), which is significantly lower than that of medical imaging equipment like CT scans or X-rays. The biological effects of radiation depend on both the dose and the type of radiation. Low-dose exposures, such as those from diagnostic imaging, typically do not result in immediate health effects and are considered to be within safe limits for the general population.

Regarding your concern about potential long-term effects, it is important to note that low-dose radiation exposure is often associated with a very small increase in cancer risk. For instance, a dose of 100 mSv is estimated to increase the lifetime risk of cancer by approximately 0.24%. In practical terms, this means that if 100,000 people were exposed to this level of radiation, about 240 additional cases of cancer might occur compared to an unexposed population. However, the baseline risk of developing cancer in the general population is already around 40%, which means that the increase from radiation exposure is relatively minor.

If you are experiencing anxiety about your radiation exposure, it may be beneficial to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional. They can provide reassurance and help you understand the risks in the context of your overall health. If you are feeling unwell or have specific symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. However, for low-dose exposures like the one you described, the likelihood of significant health effects is low.

In summary, while it is not possible to measure past radiation exposure directly, understanding the context and the levels of exposure can help alleviate concerns. Low-dose radiation from medical imaging or incidental exposure from devices like XRF is generally considered safe, and the risks associated with such exposures are minimal compared to the benefits of necessary medical evaluations. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medical procedures involving radiation to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

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