By Niall Hunter-Editor

The public should be aware of the potential dangers of radiation from x-rays, especially with the growth in the use of x-ray equipment for tests and treatment by non-medical practitioners, according to the Medical Council.

Council President Dr John Hillery said the Council has a statutory role to monitor medical ionising radiation and its use, but only has regulatory powers in respect of its use on behalf of doctors.

However, he said with the growth in the number of alternative practitioners using x-ray equipment, it is important that patients, for example attending a chiropractor using x-ray equipment, should be prepared to ask questions as to whether it is safe, who is reading the x-ray etc.

Dr Hillery said it was important for the public to be aware of the benefits and the potential dangers of medical ionising radiation in order to facilitate decisions on agreeing to assessments and treatments involving it.

The Council says it is to produce a report shortly outlining its role in respect of monitoring ionising radiation, which will also provide information to the public on its benefits and risks.