Radiation and Reproductive Health: Effects on Pregnancy and Fertility Through History

By hellenpopa
  • First X-Ray Exams on Pregnant Women

    First X-Ray Exams on Pregnant Women

    X-rays used freely before radiation dangers were known. Some physicians unknowingly imaged pregnant women. Later studies revealed risk of embryonic and fetal damage.
  • Clarence Dally’s Death Raises Awareness

    Clarence Dally’s Death Raises Awareness

    Edison’s assistant died from radiation-induced cancer. First recognized radiation fatality in the U.S. Sparked initial safety concerns in medical imaging.
  • Fruit Fly Experiment Proves Genetic Mutation

    Fruit Fly Experiment Proves Genetic Mutation

    Hermann Muller showed X-rays caused heritable mutations. First link between radiation and DNA alteration. Raised fears about fertility and birth defects in humans.
  • Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Human Radiation Exposure

    Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Human Radiation Exposure

    Pregnant women exposed to radiation from atomic bombs. Reports of miscarriages and birth defects among survivors. Became foundation for fetal-dose research and limits.
  • Gonadal Shielding Becomes Common Practice

    Gonadal Shielding Becomes Common Practice

    Introduced to protect testes and ovaries during X-rays. Aimed to reduce genetic and fertility damage. Adopted as global safety standard in diagnostic imaging.

  • Lessons from Thalidomide and Fetal Sensitivity

    Birth defect crisis showed vulnerability of unborn children. Inspired strict medical-imaging protocols for pregnancy. Reinforced ALARA principle: “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.”
  • Chernobyl and Prenatal Radiation Effects

    Chernobyl and Prenatal Radiation Effects

    Fallout reached pregnant populations across Europe. Increased rates of miscarriage and developmental issues. Highlighted intergenerational impact of radiation exposure.
  • NCRP Guidelines for Pregnant Radiation Workers

    NCRP Guidelines for Pregnant Radiation Workers

    Fetal dose limit set at 5 mSv during pregnancy. Facilities required to provide lead shielding and monitoring. Ensured workplace safety for technologists and nurses.
  • Fukushima Disaster Sparks Renewed Concern

    Fukushima Disaster Sparks Renewed Concern

    Pregnant women prioritized in evacuation plans. Widespread public fear of infertility and birth effects. Triggered global reviews of radiologic safety policies.
  • End of Routine Gonadal Shielding

    End of Routine Gonadal Shielding

    NCRP recommended stopping routine gonadal shielding. New equipment minimizes scatter and dose automatically. Marks shift toward technology-based radiation protection.
  • Modern Fetal Dose Monitoring Systems

    Modern Fetal Dose Monitoring Systems

    Imaging software now calculates fetal dose automatically. Integrates radiation data into patient safety records. Reflects precision and accountability in modern radiology.