Computed Tomography — An Increasing Source of Radiation Exposure
Published November 29, 2007
N Engl J Med 2007;357:2277-2284
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra072149
Abstract
The number of computed tomographic (CT) studies performed is increasing rapidly. Because CT scans involve much higher doses of radiation than plain films, we are seeing a marked increase in radiation exposure in the general population. Epidemiologic studies indicate that the radiation dose from even two or three CT scans results in a detectable increase in the risk of cancer, especially in children. This article summarizes the facts about this form of radiation exposure and the implications for public health.
Notes
Supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute (R01CA088974, to Dr. Brenner), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U19AI67773, to Dr. Brenner), and the Department of Energy Low Dose Radiation Research Program (DE-FG-03ER63441 and DE-FG-03ER63629, to Dr. Hall).
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
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Copyright © 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
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Published online: November 29, 2007
Published in issue: November 29, 2007
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From the Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.
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