TY - JOUR
T1 - Let’s talk about radiation dose and radiation protection in children
AU - Granata, Claudio
AU - Sofia, Carmelo
AU - Francavilla, Mariantonietta
AU - Kardos, Marek
AU - Kasznia-Brown, Joanna
AU - Nievelstein, Rutger A.J.
AU - Olteanu, Bogdan Stefan
AU - Owens, Catherine
AU - Salerno, Sergio
AU - Sorantin, Erich
AU - Apine, Ilze
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults. Even though the risk is very low, exposure from radiological examinations can possibly cause them long-term side effects. Recent large epidemiological studies involving children and young adults have added evidence suggesting that even small doses of radiation, such as those from computed tomography scans, might slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life. Therefore, even though radiologic studies are essential for an accurate diagnosis and management of various conditions, it is crucial to minimize radiation exposure. This article addresses radiation protection for children in the medical use of ionizing radiation and it is set in the context of the European legislative framework regarding radiation protection. It advocates for a holistic approach to paediatric radiological tests. This approach includes the key principles of radiation protection, such as the justification of imaging procedures supported by referral guidelines, as well as the optimization of techniques (according to the ALARA principle) and effective communication with parents about the benefits and the risks of radiologic procedures. Protecting children from unnecessary radiation is not only a technical challenge, but also a moral obligation and a legal requirement. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)
AB - Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults. Even though the risk is very low, exposure from radiological examinations can possibly cause them long-term side effects. Recent large epidemiological studies involving children and young adults have added evidence suggesting that even small doses of radiation, such as those from computed tomography scans, might slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life. Therefore, even though radiologic studies are essential for an accurate diagnosis and management of various conditions, it is crucial to minimize radiation exposure. This article addresses radiation protection for children in the medical use of ionizing radiation and it is set in the context of the European legislative framework regarding radiation protection. It advocates for a holistic approach to paediatric radiological tests. This approach includes the key principles of radiation protection, such as the justification of imaging procedures supported by referral guidelines, as well as the optimization of techniques (according to the ALARA principle) and effective communication with parents about the benefits and the risks of radiologic procedures. Protecting children from unnecessary radiation is not only a technical challenge, but also a moral obligation and a legal requirement. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)
KW - Child
KW - Diagnostic reference levels
KW - Radiation protection
KW - Radiology
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85200407849&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00247-024-06009-0
DO - 10.1007/s00247-024-06009-0
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85200407849
SN - 0301-0449
JO - Pediatric Radiology
JF - Pediatric Radiology
ER -