The Mean Active Bone Marrow Dose to the Adult Population of the United States from Diagnostic Radiology

Abstract

Based on an empirical dosimetry model, estimates have been calculated and are presented on the mean active bone marrow dose to adults from diagnostic radiography, fluoroscopy, and dental radiography, as practiced in the United States in 1970. The annual per capita mean active bone marrow dose to adults in 1970 from the above practices is estimated to have been 103 mrad: 77, 20 and 3% from radiographic, fluoroscopic and dental examinations respectively. The per capita mean active bone marrow dose for various age groups is discussed. Contributions to the dose within a given age group from different examinations indicate that in the 15–34-yr age group, lumbar and lumbosacral spine examinations contribute most to the mean active bone marrow dose; thereafter, upper GI series and barium enemas are the highest contributors. Mean active bone marrow doses for children have not been estimated because of insufficient data. However, the lower rate of use of diagnostic X-rays (except dental) in children would reduce the annual per capita mean active bone marrow dose for the entire population to a maximum of approximately 77 mrad. In 1964 the annual per capita mean active bone marrow dose to adults is estimated to have been 83 mrad. It is hypothesized that the increase in adult dose in 1970 was a result of a greater use of grids and grids having a higher ratio in 1970 as compared with 1964. A comparison of the results with surveys of radiation doses from diagnostic radiology performed in other countries and with natural radiation background is described.