Parker Waichman LLP

Children’s Exposure to Radiation via CT Scans and X-rays Raising Concerns

The average child will undergo seven radiation scans by they time they reach age 18, according to a new study. While some scans, like X-rays, pose little risk to these kids, concerns are growing that radiation exposure via CT scans could increase their risk of cancer. “Our findings indicate that more awareness about the frequent […]

The average child will undergo seven radiation scans by they time they reach age 18, according to a new study. While some scans, like X-rays, pose little risk to these kids, concerns are growing that radiation exposure via CT scans could increase their risk of cancer.

“Our findings indicate that more awareness about the frequent use of these tests may be needed among care providers, hospitals and parents,” said the study’s lead author, Adam L. Dorfman, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases and of radiology at the University of Michigan Medical School. “Imaging tests are a critical component of good medical care, but the high number of tests raises questions about whether we are being judicious in our use of the technology.”

The study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, identified 355,088 children under the age of 18 in five large US health care markets to track how often these imaging procedures are used. The study found that over 400,000 imaging procedures were performed in just 3 years, with 42.5 percent of the children receiving at least one of these procedures and many undergoing multiple tests. The types of tests the investigators considered included everything from routine x-rays that use very low doses of radiation to more advanced tests, like CT scans, that require doses that are greater. Based on these data, the average child in this study population would be expected to receive approximately 7 imaging procedures utilizing radiation by age 18.

The study focused on the numbers and types of procedures that were performed, and did not calculate specific doses of radiation that were received by each child.

Among the tests that the investigators considered, CT scans are the most important from the standpoint of radiation exposure. Nearly 8 percent of the children in this study received a CT scan in the 3-year study period, with 3.5 percent of the children receiving more than one. The authors extrapolate from their data that nearly 6 million US children will get at least one CT scan during a three-year period.

“Today’s children are undoubtedly getting many more of these studies than previous generations,” Dorfman said.

The researchers pointed out that children are more sensitive to radiation and their longer expected life spans also allows additional time for the emergence of detrimental effects.

The study’s authors note that each imaging procedure should be guided by the principle of ALARA, or As Low As Reasonably Achievable, which advocates for minimizing radiation doses while still obtaining sufficient clinical information.

The rapid growth in use of medical diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans, has led to widespread concern about radiation exposure in adults and the potential for future cancer risk in patients undergoing these tests. Despite widespread discussions about the health hazards of environmental exposures in children, radiation exposure from the frequent use of imaging procedures has received less attention. This latest study is a best-ever snapshot of radiation use in US children.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very grateful for the process I am receiving from my Parker Waichman lawyers, thanks to Jorge and Dawn for all their help, very good service, I am very happy, I recommend them to my family and friends.
July Marrero
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
It was a pleasure speaking with Ms. Josama. I really like how she made my grandmother feel safe and secure and make a decision. Thank you.
Matt Smart
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness
Thomas Carbone
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038