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Unnecessary medical radiation endangers children and premature infants

Experts believe the negative effects of radiation are cumulative, meaning that the more radiation one receives, the higher the risk of cancer. This reality is especially concerning for premature infants whose development is constantly monitored through radiological exams

Children are Being Exposed to Unnecessary Radiation,  U.S. Politics Today , May 27, 2011, While over-radiation of anyone can cause burns and an increased risk of cancer, those concerns are amplified in children. – The most vulnerable of human beings are sometimes the most mistreated. Such is the case with premature infants.

In 2007, doctors at State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn discovered that hospital staff repeatedly over-radiated premature babies during X-rays and CT scans. For example, when chest x-rays were ordered for one newborn, he underwent 10 full body X-rays without being covered by a protective shield.

The Lack of Standardized Regulation

It is the responsibility of each state to set its own regulatory standards for radiological workers. However, several states have no regulations in place at all. That means that in many parts of the country workers are not required to possess any formal minimum qualifications before they begin irradiating people.

Fortunately, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists has long been lobbying Congress to pass the CARE bill, which is supported by 26 organizations that represent over half a million American health care professionals. The CARE bill mandates nationwide regulation of radiological workers. The regulation focuses on minimum educational and certification standards for entry into the radiological profession as well as continuing education requirements to ensure competent behavior…….

Experts believe the negative effects of radiation are cumulative, meaning that the more radiation one receives, the higher the risk of cancer. This reality is especially concerning for premature infants whose development is constantly monitored through radiological exams. At Downstate Medical Center, it was discovered that babies’ entire, unshielded bodies were being imaged instead of “coning” (limiting) the radiation to the specific area of the body being examined. Only time will tell how these babies’ bodies will be affected as a result.

The Case for Medical Malpractice and Other Lawsuits

As widespread concerns regarding over-radiation of infants, children and adults comes to light, more cancer patients will undoubtedly wonder whether their condition stems from excessive radiation exposure. Patients and their attorneys will increasingly need to analyze the images from any previous exams to determine the extent of their radiation exposure. Problematic results may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit…..

Children are Being Exposed to Unnecessary Radiation – U.S. Politics Today – News Media Monitoring

May 28, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA