Radiation Shielding
An X-ray is produced by energy released from an accelerating electron and resulting radiation can pass through some, but not all material. The x-ray radiation then interacts with a detector and forms an image of the inside of an object or person. Because of the ability to “look through" materials that the human eye cannot see through, x-rays are used in a variety of industries including dental, non-destructive testing (NDT) and most importantly, the medical industry. While x-rays are a valuable diagnostic non-invasive tool with minimal risk to the patient, repeated long term exposure to x-rays can be harmful. Construction of hospitals and dental offices take steps to include radiation shielding that will reduce long term exposure from x-rays.
