The potential health risks from X-ray exposure arise because X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, meaning they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and damage biological molecules, especially DNA.
Main health risks include:
- Cell and DNA damage – X-rays can break DNA strands or cause mutations, which may lead to malfunctioning cells or uncontrolled growth.
- Increased cancer risk – Prolonged or repeated exposure increases the probability of cancers such as leukemia, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer.
- Tissue and organ damage – High doses in a short time can cause burns, hair loss, and tissue damage (radiation injury).
- Radiation sickness – Extremely high exposure can cause nausea, fatigue, skin redness, and reduced blood cell counts.
- Effects on reproduction – Exposure to reproductive organs can affect fertility and may cause genetic mutations in offspring.
- Eye damage – Long-term exposure to high doses can contribute to cataract formation.
- Risks to developing fetuses – Pregnant women exposed to X-rays may increase the risk of birth defects or developmental issues in the unborn child.
Risk severity depends on:
- The dose and duration of exposure
- The part of the body exposed
- Age and health of the person (children and fetuses are more sensitive)
That’s why strict safety measures—like lead aprons, minimal exposure time, and shielding—are used in medical and industrial X-ray applications.