MEDRADSC 2Z03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Ionizing Radiation, Radiobiology, Acute Radiation Syndrome

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Medical Radiation Sciences
• Course: MEDRADSC 2Z03
• Professor: Dawn Danko

Document Summary

X-rays belong to a class of radiation called ionising . This means that they can interact with atoms and molecules and change their structure and function. They do this because they have enough energy to knock an electron out of the atom. The consequence of this is that an atom or molecule that was neutral now has a positive charge. Ions behave very differently to neutral molecules, largely because they become soluble in water and more reactive. In biological systems, such changes can result in mutations (through alteration of dna), which can cause radiation sickness, cancer or death. Even sunburn, caused by uv radiation, belongs to this class. X-rays are photons with much higher energy than uv, and so the effects are potentially considerably greater. The role of the doctor, together with the radiographer is to minimise the risk to the patient. In making this assessment, the clinician will also consider alternative methods of getting the same information.