Radiation exposure. Medical experts say that there are potential hazards from it. We visualize it as a nuclear meltdowns and radioactive wastes. We cannot do much to reduce our exposure to that kind of radiation, but we can reduce our exposure to another type of radiaton: X rays.

            Wilhem Konrad, a German physicist who accidentally discovered x rays in 1895 while studying cathode rays in a high-voltage, gaseous-discharge tube. Although the tube was encased in a black cardboard box. Roentgen noticed that a barium-platinocyanide screen, inadvertently lying nearby, emitted fluorescent light whenever the tube was in operation. He then conducted different experiments on it. He named the invisible radiation “x ray” because of its unknown nature. In addition, x rays were known also as Roentgen rays in his honor.

            Today, x rays allow doctors and dentists to photograph the inside of our body. With them, a doctor can check to see if a broken bone has been set properly, or a dentist can confirm if a patient needs oral surgery. Many patients however, feel some apprehensions when their doctor tells them to undergo an x ray examination. Although most of these fears are unfounded, some are. Medical experts say there are potential hazards from radiation exposure. But these hazards can be eliminated by following these steps recommended by medical experts:

• Never ask for an x ray. Let your doctor or dentist decide if it is necessary.
• Ask your doctor when he orders an x ray.
• Whenever possible, avoid the so-called routine x rays.
• Do not totally avoid x ray.
• Keep a record of x rays taken of you and your children.
• Tell your doctor or dentist about previous x rays.
• Follow your doctor’s or dentist’s instruction carefully when the x ray is taken.

            Following these steps can eliminate the hazardous effect of radiation in our body and health.

Source: www. Google .com

By: Mrs. Florinda L. Bantog | Teacher III | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan