Radiation: Myths and Misconceptions

Event Description:

Ionizing radiation is commonly used in medical diagnostics and cancer treatment yet it is often misunderstood by patients, the general public, and even by scientists. This presentation will explore common radiation myths held by the general public as well as more technical misconceptions held by professionals that work with ionizing radiation. The presentation will use a quiz format to initiate discussion of these myths and misconceptions. Questions such as: “Is the human body naturally radioactive?” “Am I exposed to radiation every day?” “Is a diagnostic X-ray like a walk in the sun?” and “Can a high-energy photon beam be fully attenuated?” will be discussed in the context of the science and in terms of real and perceived risks.