Objectives : Since the discovery of the X-ray in 1895, radiation has been used ubiquitously in medicine, science and industry, as well as from the peaceful and military applications of atomic energy. The purpose of this article is to summarize the general health effects of radiation and women’s health issues of radiation.
Methods : Numerous studies of the sources, controls and health effects of radiation not only ionizing radiation but also nonionizing radiation were reviewed and discussed.
Results : As one of the physical agents of greatest concern with regard to women’s health issues is ionizing radiation, especially reproductive risks. The health effects of ionizing radiation are widely diverse, ranging from rapidly fatal injuries to cancers, birth defects and hereditary disorders appearing months, years or decades later.
Conclusions : Concern with general and women’s health effects of radiation has been raised by many epidemiologic studies of health effects ranging from reproductive risks to cancers in relation to radiation. The radiation protection is the fundamental element in every aspects of radiation exposure including therapeutic radiation.
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