Increased standards for medical use of X-rays and radioisotopes
The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Directive on health protection of individuals against the dangers of ionizing radiation in relation to medical exposures. The proposed Directive would update and improve an existing Directive relating to the radiation protection of patients which dates from 1984. With X-rays and other types of radiation used for medical purposes being the most important source of radiation exposure for European citizens, the Commission aims to ensure that protection measures and safety standards applying to medical radiation are as strict and as up-to-date as possible. The undoubted benefits of these techniques in medicine must be balanced by justifying their use in the light of the patient's previous exposure to radiation, and by ensuring that both staff and equipment respect high standards.