What are the potential harms of exposing a baby to an X-ray?

The hazard of taking an X-ray for infants is mainly related to the radiation dose. During a normal routine X-ray examination, there will be an assessment of the dose. Generally, the radiation dose for infants taking an X-ray is 0.02mSv. For routine X-ray examinations, as long as they are not taken frequently, the harm to infants will not be significant, and the probability of causing disease will also be relatively low.

1. Children are in the stage of growth and development, and their organs are relatively fragile. Long-term exposure to radiation increases the probability of problems such as leukemia. Infants and young children should avoid radiation examination as much as possible. If it is necessary to take an X-ray, attention should be paid to protecting the position of the gonad. The probability of affecting the body from occasional X-ray exposure is still very low.

2. Because there is some background radiation in the normal natural environment, people living on the earth receive about 0.55mSv of background radiation per year, which is greater than the radiation from taking an X-ray once. However, if the radiation dose of taking an X-ray once in a short time is 0.02mSv, which is much smaller than the annual background radiation of 0.55mSv, the impact will be relatively small unless it is taken frequently.

3. The radiation dose of CT is much higher than that of X-ray. It is only recommended for infants to undergo CT examination when the benefits of CT examination are significantly greater than the risks. However, for routine X-ray examinations, there is no need to worry too much unless they are taken frequently.