The effect of embryonic and fetal exposure to x-ray, microwaves, and ultrasound: Counseling the pregnant and nonpregnant patient about these risks

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Seminars in Oncology; (USA)

OSTI ID:5224318

Brent, R L ^[1]

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1. Thomas Jefferson Univ., Philadelphia, PA (USA)

The term radiation evokes emotional responses both from lay persons and from professionals. Many spokespersons are unfamiliar with radiation biology or the quantitative nature of the risks. Frequently, microwave, ultrasound, and ionizing radiation risks are confused. Although it is impossible to prove no risk for any environmental hazard, it appears that exposure to microwave radiation below the maximal permissible levels present no measurable risk to the embryo. Ultrasound exposure from diagnostic ultrasonographic-imaging equipment also is quite innocuous. It is true that continued surveillance and research into potential risks of these low-level exposures should continue; however, at present ultrasound not only improves obstetric care, but also reduces the necessity of diagnostic x-ray procedures. In the field of ionizing radiation, we have a better comprehension of the biologic effects and the quantitative maximum risks than for any other environmental hazard. Although the animal and human data support the conclusion that no increases in the incidence of gross congenital malformations, IUGR, or abortion will occur with exposures less than 5 rad, that does not mean that there are definitely no risks to the embryo exposed to lower doses of radiation, Whether there exists a linear or exponential dose-response relationship or a threshold exposure for genetic, carcinogenic, cell-depleting, and life-shortening effects has not been determined. It is obvious that the risks of 1-rad (.10Gy) or 5-rad (.05Gy) acute exposure are far below the spontaneous risks of the developing embryo because 15% of human embryos abort, 2.7% to 3.0% of human embryos have major malformations, 4% have intrauterine growth retardation, and 8% to 10% have early- or late-stage onset genetic disease. 92 references.

• OSTI ID: 5224318
• Journal Information: Seminars in Oncology; (USA), Vol. 16:5; ISSN 0093-7754
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
MICROWAVE RADIATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
NEOPLASMS
RADIOINDUCTION
EMBRYOS
FETUSES
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
PATIENTS
PREGNANCY
RADIATION DOSES
REVIEWS
RISK ASSESSMENT
TERATOGENESIS
ULTRASONOGRAPHY
X RADIATION
DISEASES
DOCUMENT TYPES
DOSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
RADIATIONS
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man
560400 - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects