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Medical Martyr": The first American to die from radiation overdose. Do you know his story
The history of radiation protection dates back to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when scientists became aware of the possible harmful effects of ionizing radiation from natural and artificial sources on living organisms. As the understanding of radiation hazards deepens, the study of radiation damage has also become part of this history. Early radioactive materials and X-rays were often mishandled, and it was not until the 20th century that the dangers of radiation were increasingly recognized, spurring the development of radiation protection policies around the world.
As the use of radiation became more popular, many doctors suffered varying degrees of radiation damage, including amputation or death from cancer, but their sacrifices promoted the advancement of radiology.
In this period of history, Clarence Madison Dally, a martyr in the medical field, is even more worthy of mention. He was the first person in the United States to die from radiation overdose. As Edison's assistant, Dali began experimenting with X-rays as early as the end of the 19th century. During his several years at work, Dalí underwent multiple surgeries to repair skin damage caused by radiation, and both of his arms eventually had to be amputated, from which he died in 1904. This incident not only made Edison decide to stop his subsequent X-ray research, but also caused a profound reflection on radiation safety in the medical community.
Although the use of radiation has improved the efficiency of medical diagnosis and treatment, its dangers also come with it, especially in the early stages of X-ray control. Early X-ray machines emitted so much radiation that medical workers often suffered from skin burns and hair loss. Even Rotgen himself, who discovered X-rays, avoided dire consequences due to improper operation. He chose to voluntarily leave the shooting scene during X-ray shooting.
Many pioneers of early X-ray and radioactivity research are considered "martyrs" of science, and their stories will forever inspire future generations.
As time goes by, the concept of radiation safety begins to receive more attention. The medical community has conducted extensive research and gradually introduced various protective measures. In the process, William Herbert Rollins became one of the pioneers of radiation protection, emphasizing the need for lead glass goggles and lead protective clothing and calling for industry to adopt safer means , to avoid X-ray damage to patients.
During the decades of the 20th century, people became increasingly aware of the health risks of radiation and began to develop radiation protection regulations. In Germany, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection became responsible for relevant radiation protection regulations. In other countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, special agencies have been established to monitor and manage radiation.
In the 21st century, radiation protection regulations have become increasingly strict, and the allowable intensity standards of ionizing radiation have been continuously lowered, and a more rigorous and comprehensive radiation protection system has emerged.
However, the understanding of radiation hazards is still insufficient, and many people are still exposed to radiation unconsciously in their daily lives. Radioactive substances that were considered “fashionable” in the past have now been proven to pose health risks, causing people to re-examine past scientific explorations and inventions. Unnecessary radiation equipment such as "foot X-ray machines" used to test the fit of shoes were gradually eliminated until the 1970s, which shows the scientific superstition of an era.
As many historians have pointed out, although the price paid by these early scientists and medical workers was not immediately appreciated, their stories remind us of the responsibilities and risks behind the development of science. Under increasingly stringent radiation protection regulations, and with further advancements in radiation engineering technology, how can we ensure a balance between medical safety and technological development?
