World Radiography Day 2022

X-radiations were discovered on 8th November 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen. Thus, this day is celebrated as World Radiography Day to celebrate the anniversary of X-rays discovery. This day is celebrated every day to increase awareness about radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging among the general public. Radiographers often also use this day to promote radiography as a career option. This day is celebrated to mark the vital contribution of Wilhelm Roentgen to modern healthcare. With the same intention, let us discuss X-rays and world radiography day to spread awareness about diagnostic radiography.

What is World radiography day and its significance?

November 8th is declared world radiography day by the International society of radiographers and radiological technologists to celebrate the remarkable discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. This day is used to spread awareness about radiographic imaging and therapy. Radiographic imaging is a widely used diagnostic test for diagnosing and treating patients. However, the patients are exposed to the minimum required radiation level so that it doesn't harm the patient instead of improving their health. The day also honours the radiologic technologist who works accurately with X-rays to save the lives of thousands of people.

How were X-rays discovered?

X-rays are electromagnetic radiations that have a shorter wavelength than ultraviolet light. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen accidentally discovered X-rays in 1895. While working in his laboratory on a cathode ray tube, he observed the formation of the fluorescent glow of crystals on a table placed near his tube. He also observed the generation of a green-colored fluorescent light on a material placed a few feet away from the tube covered by a black paper. Wilhelm Roentgen recognized these rays as X-rays. The discovery of X-rays brought about a revolution in the field of medical sciences. He was awarded the Nobel prize in physics in 1901 for his remarkable discovery of X-rays.

What's the history behind the world radiography day celebration?

World radiography day was first celebrated on 8th November in 2001 by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists. The first massive celebration of world radiography day was organised in 2012 with the joint initiative of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the European Society of Radiology (ESR), and the American College of Radiology (ACR). This year, it will be the 11th anniversary of World Radiography Day. Earlier, February 10, 2011, was celebrated as World Radiology Day by the European Day of Radiology to remember it as the death anniversary of Wilhelm Roentgen. However, the celebration following has now been discontinued, and 8th November is celebrated as world radiology day worldwide.

Ever since the discovery of X-rays and imaging diagnostic tests, the diagnosis of human diseases has been made easy. Diagnostic radiography promotes early diagnosis of the disease, facilitating proper treatment at the right time. Thus, the invention of X-rays has led to a landmark in medical history. Next time your doctor advises you for an X-ray, ensure you get it done at the earliest from a reputed pathologist.

What are the important landmarks related to World Radiology day?

The discovery of X-ray was in itself a milestone. However, several other landmarks also occurred on this day, making this day more special than ever. Following are the few most important landmarks of world radiation day.

• In 1895, X-rays were accidentally discovered by Roentgen.
• In 1896, X-ray was used in surgical procedures for the first time by John Hall Edwards.
• In 1999, X-ray was successfully used for astronomical applications. Chandra X-ray observatory was launched on this day to explore the violent processes happening in the universe.
• In 2010, more than 5 billion medical radiography imaging examinations were done worldwide.

How should World Radiography Day be celebrated?

World Radiography Day is celebrated to honour Wilhelm Roentgen and to mark the importance and application of X-rays in today’s world. Thus, teh day must be celebrated with the same objective in mind. The day is celebrated all across the globe by national radiographers’ societies and associations. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about digital radiography and radiology technologists and to honour their important contribution in healthcare. You must read about the several radiologists and radiographers who handle digital X-ray and its related equipment, even if its use can be harmful to their own lives. Thus, you must be grateful to the various radiographers working in this field to better our lives. You must also celebrate this day by getting your health check-up done. Also, try spreading awareness about this day, about the contribution of Wilhelm Roentgen, and the importance of X-rays in our daily lives.

What are X-rays?

X-rays are beams used in a quick, painless diagnostic test to form images of the structures inside your body, especially your bones. X-rays pass through your body and are absorbed into your body depending upon the density of the material through which they pass. X-rays imaging tests show dense materials like bones and metals as white, while black represents the air in your lungs, and the shades of grey colour show your fat and muscles.

When are X-ray diagnostic tests used?

X-ray diagnostic tests are used for several reasons in healthcare. Following are some cases when your doctor might suggest you go for radiology tests.

• X-rays show fractures and infections occurring in bones and teeth clearly.
• X-rays are used to diagnose joint conditions like arthritis and to know if they have worsened over the years.
• Dentists also use X-rays to check for cavities.
• X-ray tests are also used to measure your bone density and diagnose osteoporosis.
• X-rays can also be used to identify bone tumours.
• X-rays also show evidence of tuberculosis, pneumonia, or lung cancer through chest radiographs.
• For breast cancer, a special X-ray test known as mammography is used.
• X-rays can clearly reveal the signs of congestive heart failure.
• The parts of the circulatory system can be made visible in an X-ray by injecting a contrast material containing iodine to know whether or not your blood vessels are blocked.
• X-ray is also used for studying digestive tract problems. This is done by introducing a contrast material like barium into your body. The contrast material is introduced into your body through a drink or enema.
• X-ray has also been very useful in locating any metal object that your child has accidentally eaten. 

Takeaway

November 8th is an important day in the field of science due to the discovery of X-rays in 1895. X-rays have benefited not only the medical field but various other domains of human welfare as well. X-rays are widely used in the healthcare field for the medical imaging tests like computer tomography, radiography, and fluoroscopy. Apart from diagnostic applications, X-rays are also used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Now that you know about world radiography day and its importance spread awareness about this day at your level. Also, always acknowledge the hard work put forth in discovering the X-rays, and the risk that technologists face in improving your lives. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is X-ray harmful to the human body?

Exposure to small doses of X-rays is not harmful to the human body. However, absorption of high doses of X-ray radiation within the body can damage your molecular structures that potentially harm your body.

2. Do X-rays stay in the body forever after absorption?

No, the X-rays do not stay forever after absorption. They can stay in your body for a few minutes to a few days.

3. Who is the father of radiology?

W.C. Roentgen is considered the father of radiology because of his remarkable discovery of X-rays.