What is the typical radiation dose received from a chest X-ray?

The typical radiation dose received from a chest X-ray is approximately 0.1 mSv. This value represents the effective dose for an adult undergoing a standard chest X-ray, providing a general indication of the level of radiation exposure associated with this common diagnostic imaging procedure.

Understanding the context of radiation exposure is important in interpreting this figure. The dose from a chest X-ray is relatively low, especially when compared to other sources of radiation, such as natural background radiation from the environment or more complex imaging procedures like CT scans, which deliver significantly higher doses.

This information is crucial for patients and healthcare professionals when considering the risks versus benefits of imaging procedures. A chest X-ray can be an important diagnostic tool, and its radiation dose is generally justified by the medical information it provides.