The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has issued an advisory to address public concerns regarding perceived health risks from radiation emitted by medical diagnostic X-ray facilities (including X-ray radiography, CT-Scans, dental, and mammography units).
AERB clarifies that such facilities pose an insignificant radiation risk to the general public. While natural background radiation in India averages 2.3 mSv/year, the radiation dose received in areas around an X-ray facility is negligible and well within AERB's prescribed public dose limit of 1 mSv/year.
The advisory highlights that X-ray/CT-scan rooms are constructed with robust shielding (e.g., 23 cm brick walls or 2 mm lead equivalent partitions and doors) and display mandatory warning symbols. AERB licenses these facilities based on approved equipment and shielded room designs, ensuring in-built safety. Consequently, AERB asserts there is no radiation safety objection to medical diagnostic X-ray facilities operating in public domains, including residential or office areas. The public is advised not to harbor undue fears about radiation leakage or risk from these essential healthcare facilities, and a list of licensed facilities is publicly available on the AERB website for verification.
