Risk from a dental x-ray

["ALDEN N TSCHAECHE" <XAT@inel.gov>]

If the doses are in the range of zero to a few rem, there is no
demonstratable risk. If you are talking about the hypothetical risks
calculated using the linear no-threshold hypothesis, there may be some
out there for dental x-rays. But, if a dose is a dose is a dose, it
won't make any difference where the dose comes from, the hypothetical
risk will be the one associated with a particlulardose. So, just
determine the dose and look up the risk in ICRP-60. BUT -- be sure, in
your discussion about the hypothetical risk so determined, to emphasize
that it is a HYPOTHETICAL risk and that the real risk may, in all
probablilty, be zero.

*** Reply to note of 11/29/95 13:57

From: Francine Anselmo
To: RADSAFE --INELMAIL RADSAFE

Subject: Risk from a dental x-ray
To: RADSAF1 --INTERNET radsafe@romulus.eh

franselm@bcsc02.gov.bc.ca

Hello.  I'm looking to update our dental facts booklet, used for teaching
 radiography to the dental community. The section I'm having some difficulty
with is "Risks of Death of One in One Million".  What we have printed is
  that the risk of death of one in one million, deathfrom Leukemia,
 occurs from a complete mouth radiographic survey. Other examples of risks of
death of one in one million = death from cirrhosis from drinking 500ml wine
 (gasp, hope that doesn't include RED wine), smoking 1.4 cigarettes (cardio
vascular and malignancy), riding in a car for 300 miles (accident)...

Does anyone have current information plus references for this type of risk
 assessment from radiograhic exposure in dental radiography.Thank-you.

Regards,
Francine Anselmo
Ministry of Health.The opinions contained within are solely
those of the author and not of BC Systems Corp./BC Min.of Health