ABSTRACT
Radiation doses encountered in occupational settings under normal operating conditions are also tiny fractions of levels known to produce acute injury. Proportion, prioritization, and precaution is the blueprint for a new radiological protection system. Airline passengers must undergo security screening at airports, and the x-ray dose is a tiny fraction of natural background radiation levels. Medical and dental x-rays are the largest anthropogenic source of radiation exposure and account for about 18% of the total annual radiation exposure to the US population. Dose proportions may be particularly useful in the informed consent process to ensure that risks of medical radiation exposure are stated accurately and in language understandable to the patient or research subject. Whole-body exposure to ionizing radiation increases cancer risks in some tissues but has no effect on other tissues. Individuals who might be exposed to radiation or other carcinogens should be protected.
