It was revealed on the 26th that last year, each citizen of our country underwent an average of 8 medical radiation tests. Medical radiation tests are necessary for diagnosing and treating diseases, but excessive exposure can lead to side effects such as cancer, so caution is needed.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced the status of medical radiation test usage among the citizens of our country today, including X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans. The total number of medical radiation tests for the entire population increased by 34% from over 308 million in 2020 to over 412 million last year. This increase is attributed to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in health check-ups, leading to a rise in medical radiation tests. The majority of medical radiation test cases, at 77.9%, were for general radiography.
The total radiation exposure dose from medical radiation tests for the entire population is 162,090 man·Sv (man·sievert). This amounts to a level of 3.13 mSv (millisievert) per citizen. The radiation exposure dose from CT scans was the highest at 67%. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted, "When the radiation exposure dose increases, the risk of cancer also rises, so medical radiation tests should only be performed when the health benefits are significant."
Typically, when a chest X-ray is taken during a health check-up, exposure to radiation is 0.1 mSv. The annual radiation exposure limit for the general public is 1 mSv. For radiology personnel, the allowed limit is 50 mSv per year. According to current regulations, only professionals, such as doctors and radiologists, are permitted to handle related equipment due to radiation exposure concerns. Radiation workers must comply with safety regulations and undergo health examinations every two years. The radiation dose must be measured at least once every three months.