Re: Risk in perspective

["Gibbs, S Julian" <s.julian.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu>]

Harold Reynolds' approach to putting radiation risk in 
perspective can be useful, but contains one technical 
inaccuracy:  none of the radioisotopes in his laundry list 
are ever encountered in nuclear medicine--or in any other 
procedure of modern health care.  
Technically, Ra was used many years ago in radiation 
therapy, not nuclear medicine.  It has been completely 
replaced by other safer sources for brachytherapy (that's 
placing the radiation source within the body, either in 
tissue or a cavity, for localized high-dose radiotherapy).

***********************************************************
S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD               Voice: 615-322-3190
Professor of Radiology                    FAX: 615-322-3764 
Dept. of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville TN 37232-2670 Email:s.julian.gibbs@Vanderbilt.Edu

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