What is a significant risk of failing to log employee exposure in radiography?

Failing to log employee exposure in radiography poses a significant risk primarily because it can lead to potential long-term health effects going unrecognized. Comprehensive exposure records are vital for monitoring the cumulative radiation doses that employees receive over time. These records contribute to understanding individual exposure levels and help identify any trends that might indicate health risks associated with radiation exposure.

Long-term health effects from radiation exposure, such as cancer or other radiation-induced conditions, may not manifest until many years after the exposure occurs. Without accurate exposure logs, it becomes challenging to correlate health issues with potential radiation exposures, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate medical surveillance, treatment, or intervention.

Therefore, maintaining accurate records is crucial not only for regulatory compliance but also for safeguarding the health and safety of workers in the radiography field. This is why monitoring exposure is emphasized in radiation safety training and protocols.