Epidemiologists and healthcare providers adopt several strategies to minimize the risks associated with X-rays:
1. Dose Optimization: Using the lowest effective dose of radiation to achieve the necessary diagnostic quality.
2. Protective Measures: Employing lead aprons and shields to protect patients and healthcare workers from unnecessary exposure.
3. Justification and Appropriateness: Ensuring that X-ray examinations are clinically justified and that alternative, non-radiative imaging techniques (e.g., ultrasound or MRI) are considered when appropriate.
