Common Sense Approach to the Problem of Genetic Hazard Due to Diagnostic Radiology

Accumulating evidence suggests that the genetic damage to the human gonads due to exposure to ionizing radiation is greater than previously thought. This, with the greater potential for exposure of whole populations in medicine, industry, and defense, has resulted in increasing concern over genetic injury to whole populations. Debates among scientists over the amount and effect of radiation due to fall-out from testing atomic weapons have made the American public more aware of the hazards of radiation. This is a healthy state of affairs, if perspective can be maintained on the part of both the medical profession and the public. Considering the relative genetic hazards to whole populations from man-made radiation, we find that by far the largest contribution comes from diagnostic radiology. At the same time, the judicious use of diagnostic radiology is one of medicine's most important tools. Much remains to be learned regarding the actual exposures being