ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explain how ionizing radiation may induce somatic changes and list the somatic dose indicators such as bone marrow, skin, and thyroid. Most somatic dose indicators are based on measurements of the dose at specific locations, points, or small volumes. More specifically, the somatic dose indicators are useful in their own right as long as their limitations are understood and are indicative of the major effect. Examinations of the thorax account for approximately half of all diagnostic radiographic examinations taken but contribute only a few percent to the total Genetically Significant Dose (GSD). It can be deduced that the lower the GSD, the lower the number of mutations. As one would expect, examinations that expose the gonads/ovaries to primary x-ray beam radiation produce the highest exposures, such as during barium enema examination, IVP, lumbar spine, hips, and upper femur.
