X-Rays at Podiatrist Office

["iradi8" <sloanpb@BELLSOUTH.NET>]

I recently had a series of foot x-rays done in a podiatrist's office. The person doing the x-rays was training a brand new assisstant. Neither seemed to have any knowledge whatsoever about what they were doing. I was not asked if I was pregnant -- I am a woman of childbearing age. I was not offered an apron which they do at the dentist (not that I feel that I really needed it). They stood right next to the head of the x-ray machine while taking all three films. Actually, the head of the machine was within 6 inches of her pelvis. The new assisstant was told that they could stay in the room for all x-rays -- that the dose is so low that it is safe. That is what the "x-ray guy who works on the machine" said. 

I was taken aback by all of this! Could someone please enlighten me as to whether this is okay? I am sure it is not! Also, the machine is not in an enclosed room -- the restroom door is within 6 feet of it and an exam room on the other side of the wall. Shouldn't there be shielding -- I wonder if there is? 



Thanks so much.