I always wondered if the ionizing effects of X-rays should be a concern. I get X-rays yearly with the comprehensive exam. When does it become non-negligible?

This article describes a study to simulate the effect of ionizing radiation on implanted stents. Since fluorine showed significant loss changes from irradiation, I did find it alarming.

light, it is an interesting consideration. Another way to approach the question is to consider radiation sickness or radiation therapy patient mortality. The x-rays used there are supposed to damage DNA, but no doubt they kill healthy cells just as much as tumor cells. It would be hard to define a suitable "threshold" dose. Each X-ray photon would damage an uncertain number of targets. True, the photon is absorbed once, but its ionized products (photoelectrons, secondary electrons, radicals, etc.) can propagate the damage.

My mother underwent X-ray irradiation following brain tumor removal (to try to get any remnants). Needless to say, the observed scarring and resulting brain damage was more apparent than the benefit.

My late uncle went through chemotherapy for his colon cancer. But instead the chemo took away his will to live instead of killing the cancer cells. He was a 70 yr old man who has a body of a 55 yr old, active in boxing and use to run around in his old vespa. After the chemo, he lost two thirds of his weight and was reduced to a gaunt frail 70 yr old. Whether X-ray or chemo can really help cure cancer i don't know. But maybe it should be used as a last resort.



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"Kabbalah does not let us live our lives in the dust, but elevates our mind to the height of knowledge." Johannes Reuchlin