# Explain why patients and radiographers are at risk of harm from X-rays, and describe two precautions taken to reduce the risk to each group.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.10.5 X-ray Imaging · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. X-rays are ionising radiation
2. Ionising radiation can damage or mutate cells / DNA, increasing cancer risk
3. Patient precaution: lead shield / lead apron placed over parts of the body not being imaged to absorb X-rays
4. Patient precaution: keep exposure time as short as possible / use the minimum dose needed / limit the number of X-rays taken
5. Radiographer precaution: stands behind a lead screen / leaves the room during the exposure to increase distance from the source

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-patients-and-radiographers-are-9f9ecab8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.