Danger From X-Ray Machines am passing along the warning from the state department of health that x-ray machines for shoe-fitting should be dealt with intelligently and carefully.' Radiation, according to Dr. E. G. Zimmerer, cancer control director, can cause serious damage to exposed tissues. And investigation reveals that many older X-ray models release excessive amounts of uncontrolled rays. While most shoe salesmen know these hazards, the department sug, gests these precautions: Follow all rules and instructions of the shoe salesman for using the machine. He knows how to operate it with minimum hazard. Limit use of machine, to actual fitting of shoes.. It isn't a toy. Limit each examination to one operation of machine. Limit number of your X-ray fittings in any one day to a total of 3, and to a total of 12 per year. Don't let children play around the machine. They may be. affected by small doses of radiation emitted. Have shoes on BOTH feet at time of fitting. If it is necessary to hold children's feet in place at the machine, it's best to have the parent or friend of child do this, instead of the salesman who would get too many exposures a day doing it for all youngsters.
