Radiation Warning

Aug 30, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's power ministry has warned the public against using unlicensed x-ray machines saying they could expose patients to excessive radiation that could affect their health.



Patients using unlicensed machines may not be able to get correct x-ray images and may expose themselves to unnecessary doses of radiation when repeating x-ray scans, the ministry warned.



Only x-ray machines licensed by the state-run Atomic Energy Authority should be used by the public, a ministry statement said.

It warned of legal action against institutions using unlicensed x-ray machines, saying it was conducting an awareness campaign educating the public against use of such equipment.

The AEA checks on the technology used in x-ray machines and measures the radiation patients are exposed to when giving licences, the ministry said.