Answer to Question #12823 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"
Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding
The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:
Q
The head on my dentist's x-ray machine was leaking oil when they used it, but he said that it had been leaking for a while and he didn't seem too concerned. I was concerned and still am. How safe is this?
A
Oil is used as a coolant in the head to help remove heat that is generated when x rays are produced. If the oil level goes low enough, it will likely cause the x-ray tube to overheat and no longer operate. There should be no immediate risk to you in regard to the amount of radiation produced by the x-ray unit.
Kennith "Duke" Lovins, CHP
Answer posted on 11 February 2019. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.