Y
ou won't see the invisible dan-
gers of repeated exposure to
ionized radiation until it's too
late. Skin reactions, hair loss, cataracts and infertility
can occur within weeks or years of exposure. More seri-
ous aliments such as cancer and conditions passed along to your
kids might take decades to manifest. Why chance health issues
when the latest C-arms and protective gear are designed to pro-
tect you from harm?
C-arm safeguards
The surgical team is in danger of exposure to radiation that scatters
off of the patient, equipment and OR table. To limit the risk, the
International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP),
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 7 7
Reduce Your
Radiation
Exposure
Reduce Your
Radiation
Exposure
Don't ignore the very real threats of what you can't see.
• SAFE LOOK Form-fitting
aprons shield surgical team
members from the dangers
of radiation scatter.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
Brad Waddell, MD
New York, N.Y.