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Wendell G. Scott, M.D.

J Am Med Assoc. 1959;170(4):421-428.

Abstract
Mankind must learn to live safely in the artificial environment that is being created by the atomic industrial revolution. That this can be done is illustrated by the fact that 38 million radiologic examinations are done annually in the United States alone; diagnostic radiology is indispensable, and if it contributes to the shortening of life span and production of genetic damage such effects have not made themselves evident. The problem is first to understand and second to minimize the effects that can arise from diagnostic radiologic examinations. During the first 30 years of life the gonadal dose should be strictly limited according to published recommendations; in the later years of life, beyond the reproductive period, the gonadal (genetic) effects are of no clinical significance. However, exposure to ionizing radiation should be minimized by methods outlined here. People should not be frightened by confusing diagnostic radiology with thermonuclear warfare and should learn that the safe use and control of medical radiation depends on properly educating its users in the underlying sciences.

Author Affiliations
St. Louis

Professor of Clinical Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine.

Footnotes
Chairman's address, read before the Section on Radiology at the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association, San Francisco, June 25, 1958.

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