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Computed Tomography — An Increasing Source of Radiation Exposure

List of authors.
  • David J. Brenner, Ph.D., D.Sc.,
  • and Eric J. Hall, D.Phil., D.Sc.

The number of computed tomographic (CT) studies performed is increasing rapidly. Because CT scans involve much higher doses of radiation than plain films, we are seeing a marked increase in radiation exposure in the general population. Epidemiologic studies indicate that the radiation dose from even two or three CT scans results in a detectable increase in the risk of cancer, especially in children. This article summarizes the facts about this form of radiation exposure and the implications for public health.

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Funding and Disclosures

Supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute (R01CA088974, to Dr. Brenner), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U19AI67773, to Dr. Brenner), and the Department of Energy Low Dose Radiation Research Program (DE-FG-03ER63441 and DE-FG-03ER63629, to Dr. Hall).

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Author Affiliations

From the Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Brenner at the Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, or at .

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