Radiation protection of patients

The use of ionizing radiation in medicine is well established, both in diagnosing and in treating diseases. At the same time, growing evidence of unintended and unnecessary use of radiation in medicine highlights the need for stronger radiation protection.

The health of hundreds of millions of people is improved each year through the application of ionizing radiation and radioactive materials in diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic procedures in medicine. However, employing radiation in medicine has to involve a careful balance between the benefits of enhancing human health and welfare, and the risks related to the radiation exposure of people.

The IAEA strives to achieve global acceptance of an appropriate level of radiation protection in medical practice among health professionals and relevant organizations. This includes ensuring that all medical exposures are justified and that the radiation dose delivered in diagnosis and therapy is well optimized for the clinical needs of individual patients.

While the health benefits of ionizing radiation in medicine are widely recognized, the downsides should not be overlooked. Radiation incidents involving medical uses account for more deaths and early acute health effects than any other type of radiation incident, including accidents at nuclear facilities. Radiation injuries and cases of overexposure continue to be reported. Moreover, total occupational exposure is far greater in medicine than from any other source or practice.