Cost and effectiveness of methods of radiation protection in x-ray diagnosis.

A financial assessment is made of the detriment from ionising radiation in diagnostic radiography. The possible dose reductions available with different techniques of radiation protection are assessed and expressed both as a percentage and as actual value. The cost is calculated of these methods of protection. The use of carbon fibre materials is shown to be particularly advantageous. It is stressed that government policy in the United Kingdom is advocating cost-effective methods of health promotion, and these applications are attractive from this viewpoint.