Dangers of Living Above a Dental Office?

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Renting an apartment above a dental office raises concerns about potential radiation exposure from X-ray machines. However, dental X-rays are low intensity and focused on patients, making it unlikely for any radiation to enter the apartment. Regulations typically require X-ray rooms to meet safety standards, including lead-lined walls and windows. Additionally, X-ray usage is intermittent, further minimizing any risk. Overall, there are no significant health concerns associated with living above a dental practice.
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Hello,

I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

In particular, I'm wondering if the radiation from their X-Ray machine can travel into my apartment.

I would appreciate your insight.

Thanks in advance!
 
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brm629 said:
Hello,

I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

In particular, I'm wondering if the radiation from their X-Ray machine can travel into my apartment.

I would appreciate your insight.

Thanks in advance!
I don't know what the planning laws in the states are, but in the UK a X-ray room must pass a X-ray penetration test. If the room has windows they must be fitted with triple leaded plate glass. My local dentist has flats above the surgery and I don't think there are any problems. The size of NOX bottles are also restricted.
I remember as a kid that shoe shops in the UK had X-ray machines to make sure the shoes were a good fit. I remember wriggling my toes whilst looking into the screen with awe! Anyone else remember these or are you all young whipper-snappers?
 
brm629 said:
Hello,

I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

In particular, I'm wondering if the radiation from their X-Ray machine can travel into my apartment.

I would appreciate your insight.

Thanks in advance!
The dental X-ray is very low intensity and narrowly focused - at the patient. It is unlikely that X-rays would scatter into the apartment below. I would expect a normal, background radiation level in the apartment.

The X-ray machine would be used intermittently, and not during the night or off-hours, so I don't think there is any concerns to worry about.
 
brm629 said:
Hello,
I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

Screams of "tormented victims"? :)

Every time I think about dentists' work, I imagine how nearly every day they have to deal with patients who are hysterically afraid of dental medicine. I asked about that, and doctor confirmed that at least 20% of patients are like that.
 
I remember those X-ray machines as well - scary to think of them now!
 
Yes, I wiggled my toes way too many times, because it was so much fun, and I ain't got foot cancer yet, almost seventy years later.
 
Hello, I'm currently trying to compare theoretical results with an MCNP simulation. I'm using two discrete sets of data, intensity (probability) and linear attenuation coefficient, both functions of energy, to produce an attenuated energy spectrum after x-rays have passed through a thin layer of lead. I've been running through the calculations and I'm getting a higher average attenuated energy (~74 keV) than initial average energy (~33 keV). My guess is I'm doing something wrong somewhere...
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