| Excessive exposure to x-rays can permanently damage organs such as the ovaries and testes, eyes, and thyroid gland. X-ray exposure can also increase the risk of cancer. This risk is minimized by focusing and limiting the x-ray beam, as well as shielding the sensitive organs, when possible. X-rays are harmful to the fetus and any woman of childbearing age should be tested for pregnancy if there is even a small possibility that she is pregnant.
Occasionally, there are adverse reactions to x-ray contrast media; these range from a transient flushing to a drop in blood pressure and heart rate to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). Barium sulfate, a contrast material used to visualize the gastrointestinal tract, can leak into the abdominal cavity if a perforation of the intestine is present, creating a serious inflammation (peritonitis). With arteriography, bleeding from the arterial puncture site can occur, as can damage to the artery itself. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor