X-rays are a major cause of leukemia in children, the most common form of cancer in the under-fifteens. Those who have had three x-rays or more double their chances of developing the cancer – although their risk increases after even just one scan.
Chest x-rays carry the greatest risk, say researchers from the University of California, who reached their conclusion after studying the health records of children living in Northern California.
Their findings question the current use of x-rays, especially in children. Assuming them to be safe, doctors regularly request x-ray scans, often as a diagnostic tool or as part of a general check-up.
The researchers did not include dental x-rays in their investigation, as they assume they emit such low levels of radiation that they are safe.
(Source: International Journal of Epdemiology, 2010; 39: 1628-37).