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medical radiation ups risks for cancer

New study suggests medical testing ups risks for radiation
The Durango Herald 21 Sept 09 by Alicia Chang
AP Science Writer LOS ANGELES – As many as two-thirds of adults underwent a medical test in the last few years that exposed them to radiation and, in some cases, a potentially higher risk of cancer, a study in five areas of the U.S. suggests.

It is the latest big attempt to measure how much radiation Americans are getting from sometimes unnecessary medical imaging.

Though the annual average radiation exposure from X-rays, CT scans and other tests was low, researchers found about 20 percent were exposed to moderate radiation doses and 2 percent were exposed to high levels. “Super X-rays” to check for heart problems accounted for nearly a quarter of the radiation people received.

“Given the growing use of medical imaging procedures, our findings have important implications for the health of the general population,” the researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Durango Herald News, New study suggests medical testing ups risks for radiation

September 22, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1, environment, USA | antinuclear, nuclear, radiation, radioactive