Hi shivam,

Any career choice will have an element of danger, and the risk associated with the career is directly proportional to the safety practices of the individual. Radiation has been proven to harm human tissue; more exposure to radiation only increases the risk of a harmful effect eventually developing. That said, properly trained professionals in radiology (whether technologists or physicians) have been given education and information needed to do everything possible to limit occupational exposure to radiation. The variation is seen when there are individuals who don't seem to observe safety standards and best-practices. Many people enjoy long-term careers in the field without radiation-sustained injury. The three cardinal rules of radiation protection are time, distance and shielding. Limiting the amount of time the operator is exposed to radiation, maximizing the distance from the radiation source, and use of protective apparel are components for success.

One could argue that simply being around patients in an emergency room or being potentially exposed to communicable diseases would pose greater risk than that from radiation. More injuries are likely to occur when sliding patients from tables to stretchers or when placing image receptors behind patients during mobile examinations. Proper body mechanics can be observed, but due to the positioning requirements of some of the equipment, injuries are common and cannot always be avoided. Injuries to the lower back, wrists, shoulders and knees have been most common in my own personal experience.