LONGEVITY AND CAUSES OF DEATH FROM IRRADIATION IN PHYSICIANS

TLDR

Data on long‑term low‑dose radiation effects are scarce, yet the expanding use of atomic energy and occupational exposure among medical specialists raises concerns about potential health risks. The paper reports observations on physicians’ longevity and causes of death from radiation exposure.

Abstract

Data bearing on effects of prolonged low-level exposure of man to ionizing radiation are few. With the use of atomic energy becoming more general and the increasing probability of large portions of the population becoming potentially exposed to radiation, the value of such data materially increases. I add herewith some observations. Radiologists and certain other groups of medical specialists, such as dermatologists, urologists, and gastroenterologists, have experienced prolonged occupational exposure near or sometimes slightly above the present permissible levels of radiation. While some of the pioneers in radiology risked themselves freely, paying with radiation-induced leukemia or carcinoma for their absorption in their new and untried tool to aid humanity, most of those utilizing ionizing radiation in their medical work have received only small doses. <h3>Dose Levels of Irradiation</h3> The present permissible level of total body radiation accepted by the International Committee on Radiation Protection for x-rays or gamma rays of