Ionizing Radiation: X-rays should not be carried out unless a specific clinical indication.
Radiological examinations are a valuable diagnostic aid but the possible damage they can cause to the patient, future generations and the environment must be taken into account. In particular, given the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of ionizing radiation, radiographs and CT scans of any body area should not be requested without a precise clinical indication: for example, the routine execution of preoperative chest radiography does not appear appropriate. The execution of inappropriate diagnostic tests can lead to false positive results, as well as the identification of cases that would never have occurred (overdiagnosis), which require additional diagnostic tests, including invasive ones, and often unnecessary and potentially harmful therapeutic interventions. It therefore appears necessary to re-dimension the expectations placed on technology, also through the direct involvement of citizens, patients and the Associations that represent them. In any case, the doctor must always point out to his patient the toxicity of nuclear radiations (diagnostic tests of the scintigraphic type) and of electromagnetic ones (cell phones). Citizens must also be aware of the risks, for the environment and for their health, that are associated with the diffusion of 5G technology.
Sources
1.. Dimonte M. L’abuso di esami radiologici: metafora della società post-moderna, dei nuovi media e dei consumi. Recenti Progressi in Medicina, 99, 3, 2008
2.. Cristofaro M, Busi Rizzi E, Schininà V et al: Appropriateness: analysis of outpatient radiology requests. Radiol Med 2012;117:322-32.
3. Chioleroa A, et al: How to prevent overdiagnosis. Swiss Med Wkly. 2015;145: w14060.
4. Rao TM, Levin DC: The Choosing Wisely Initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation: What Will Its Impact Be on Radiology Practice? AJR 2014; 202:358–361.
5..Di Ciaula A., I campi elettromagnetici in: Di Ciaula A., Murgia V., Petronio M.G. Inquinamento ambientale e salute, Aboca Edizioni, 2019
6.Porcile G., Radiazioni ionizzanti a scopo diagnostico: luci e ombre, Decidere in Medicina n. 2, pag 11-13, 2019
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