Putting the ‘pro’ in radiation protection

Radioactivity — radiation — is everywhere. Humans have learned how to harness radiation to save lives, produce clean energy, and even to change the color of semiprecious gems like topaz. Radiation science began with a series of discoveries in the late 19th century, changing the face of everything from healthcare and building trades to electricity and dentistry.

First medical X-ray by Wilhelm Röntgen of his wife Anna Bertha Ludwig’s hand

This is Radiation Protection Professionals Week and Radiologic Technologists Week, celebrated now because X-ray was discovered November 8, 1895, by Wilhelm Röntgen.

Today, radiation professionals protect you from its destructive potential, while helping you tap into the benefits of radioactivity. To make sure radiation is used and managed safely, the Department of Health licenses people, companies, and organizations that use, and dispose of radioactive materials. DOH inspects X-ray machines to ensure they function safely, and monitors the environment for radioactivity.

For example, healthcare professionals who take your dental X-ray have a license to operate the machine. Anyone working around radiation is required to wear a special device called a dosimeter that measures exposure to radiation. Similarly, the road crew working on widening your local highway uses a moisture density gauge, which uses radioactive material to identify areas where work may be needed to safely build a road. All of these protections are in place to keep everyone safe.

DOH radiation health physicists in training for CT inspections

It’s unlikely that Röntgen could have imagined the many ways his discovery would influence people today!

Learn more about radiation at www.doh.wa.gov/RadInfo, and the next time you get an X-ray, thank the healthcare provider for the care they take to protect you from excess radiation.

Welcome to the new age. — “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons