Smart Woman: Safety Concern For X-Rays and CT Scans For Children
By: Lane Stone
Updated: May 9, 2012
The government is taking steps to minimize children's exposure to radiation from CT scans and X-rays. The food and drug administration is calling on manufacturers to design new scanners that are safer for kids.
Dr. Samara Friedman is a pediatric orthopedist who specializes in children's fractures and sports injuries.
She needs to order X-rays and scans to treat her patients but she tries to keep radiation levels to a minimum.
Friedman said, "I think its important to limit that exposure while still getting the information we need from those tests."
The Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to minimize how much radiation children get. The FDA is urging manufacturers to design new scanners with children's safety in mind. The concern is that too much exposure may increase the risk of cancer later in life.
The FDA is also calling on parents to do more to cut down on unnecessary radiation. The agency advises parents to ask why a test is needed and whether there are radiation-free alternatives.
6 year old Anastasia Vandine has cerebral palsy and will need a lot of scans in her life. Her parents are aware of the risks.
Her father Arthur Palmer said,"Just rely on the doctor they're supposed to be trustworthy.
Doctors say radiation imaging is a necessary tool, as long as it's not overused.
The FDA is also working on new safety training materials for doctors and technicians who administer X-rays and scans to children.
Dr. Samara Friedman is a pediatric orthopedist who specializes in children's fractures and sports injuries.
She needs to order X-rays and scans to treat her patients but she tries to keep radiation levels to a minimum.
Friedman said, "I think its important to limit that exposure while still getting the information we need from those tests."
The Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to minimize how much radiation children get. The FDA is urging manufacturers to design new scanners with children's safety in mind. The concern is that too much exposure may increase the risk of cancer later in life.
The FDA is also calling on parents to do more to cut down on unnecessary radiation. The agency advises parents to ask why a test is needed and whether there are radiation-free alternatives.
6 year old Anastasia Vandine has cerebral palsy and will need a lot of scans in her life. Her parents are aware of the risks.
Her father Arthur Palmer said,"Just rely on the doctor they're supposed to be trustworthy.
Doctors say radiation imaging is a necessary tool, as long as it's not overused.
The FDA is also working on new safety training materials for doctors and technicians who administer X-rays and scans to children.
