Skin Burns
As discussed in the introduction, the principal hazard associated with use of analytical x-ray equipment is localized skin burns following exposure to the primary beam.
Experience with exposure of relatively large areas of skin to radiation has shown that it requires doses of approximately 300 rad (3 gray) to produce a visible reddening of the skin.
Doses of approximately 1500 rad (15 gray) are required in order to produce serious burns with blistering.
When doses reach 3000 rad (30 gray) very serious burns requiring skin grafts or amputation may result.
The bum symptoms may require from
one to several weeks to develop, depending on the dose.
Burns Produced by X-Rays
Description of Tissue Damage Approximate Dose Required (gray)
Perceptible reddening of skin 3
Dry desquamation of skin 10
Wet desquamation and blistering 15
Ulceration and necrosis of skin 30
