World Radiography Day 2023: History And How To Observe?

Every year on November 8, the anniversary of X-rays’ birth, World Radiography Day is commemorated. We all have one done, but we take technology for granted. It’s difficult to picture a world without x-rays nowadays. They help physicians identify a variety of illnesses and are the basis for numerous medical diagnostic procedures. The fact that they can do this in seconds and with zero discomfort is incredible. The x-ray machine requires hardworking radiographers and radiologists, so the day also celebrates them.

History Of World Radiography Day

Professor Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen of the Wuerzburg University in Germany discovered X-rays by accident in 1895. When Röntgen looked at a fluorescent glow of crystals on a table near his tube, which had a bulb with negative and positive electrodes, he was working with a cathode-ray tube in his laboratory. The tube started emitting a fluorescent glow when the air in it was evacuated and a high voltage was applied. He discovered that a few feet away from the tube, material covered in black paper generated a green fluorescent light by shielding the tube.

He concluded that the tube was releasing a new type of beam that could go through the paper cover and excite the phosphorescent materials after making these observations. He found that this additional light could penetrate numerous materials, projecting shadows on solid surfaces. Röntgen discovered that light could go through human muscles but not metal or bones. A video of his wife’s hand, with her bones and ring visible, was one of his first experiments.

This finding was a significant scientific breakthrough, and both scientists and the public alike greeted it with delight! Since the cathode tube was so well-known at the time, other scientists might have easily replicated his experiment. With the discovery receiving massive media attention, many scientists abandoned other lines of study to pursue it.

Radiographs were first used by a few medical personnel in Europe and the United States. Just a month after the finding, it was announced. Radiographs arrived on the battlefield six months later to aid injured troops.

Significance of World Radiography Day 2023-2024

World Radiography Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness of radiographic imaging and treatment by commemorating the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays in 1895. The imaging technique of radiography is critical in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, although it is equally vital that the radiation dose be kept to a minimum level so that it improves rather than injures their health. As a result, WRD provides a chance to recognize individuals who work close to perfection and save thousands of lives every year.

World Radiography Day FAQS

How do you remove radiation from your body?

Radiation has no known treatment. Nonetheless, some medicines may remove some radiation from the body and barriers may impede exposure.

Does radiation stay in the body forever?

For a few minutes to a few days, the radiation remains in the body.

Are X-rays dangerous?

It’s possible to damage molecular structures and cause damage when high doses of X-ray radiation are absorbed by our bodies.

How To Observe #WorldRadiographyDay

On this day, X-ray and radiation safety education activities are organized by radiographer groups and medical professionals. To exchange ideas and make improvements in their area, radiographers also hold conferences and seminars. In addition, it is a day for international health organizations to demand that developing countries increase radiography availability and quality. It is necessary to join:

• For everything they do, thank a radiographer or radiologist.
• Learn more about how X-rays are created and what radiation is.
• Learn about the contributions of Marie Curie and Raymond Vahan Damadian to radiography.

On social media, use the hashtag #WorldRadiographyDay to spread awareness for this day.

5 Interesting Facts About X-Rays (World Radiography Day)

1. First x-ray death

The first person to die from exposure to x-rays was Thomas Edison’s assistant.

2. Discovery of the D.N.A. structure

The distinctive helix structure of human D.N.A. was discovered thanks to X-rays.

3. Diagnosis of tuberculosis

Doctors may see shadows and patches in the lungs with X-rays, which might diagnose tuberculosis early.

4. Röntgen did not patent them

He did not apply for a patent because he wanted x-rays to be accessible to everyone for the good of mankind.

5. “X” in x-ray stands for unknown

Because of the accidental nature of its discovery, Röntgen named it thus.

Why World Radiography Day Is Important

Radiographs help people

The ability to identify numerous illnesses and problems with the body thanks to x-rays is a medical miracle. Since their discovery, they’ve helped countless people.

A day to pay your respects

Thank you to all the radiographers and radiologists who give their time to help us. Also, think about the numerous men and women who worked tirelessly to make x-ray imaging as quick and simple as it is now.

The day creates medical awareness

In addition, the day is a call to schedule a medical check-up now and again to ensure that everything is fine. Check-ups are frequently simple, fast, and noninvasive procedures.

Conclusion

There you have it! All the information that you need to know about World Radiography Day. You can also download the History of Radiography section from our website and keep reading it whenever you feel like doing so. To sum up, World Radiography Day is observed every year on August 6 to celebrate radiologists around the world who have worked hard to make medical imaging a common practice.

From its humble beginning during Victorian times to its rise today, this event has grown tremendously over time and gained recognition all over the globe. Not only has radiology impacted many lives but also become an inseparable part of our daily lives thanks to advancements in technology.

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