The Doctor Says Repeated X-ray Shoe Fittings May Be Injurious to Feet The foot troubles with which so many people are afflicted today are the result of civilization. Few, if any, primitive people who walk without shoes have either flat feet or bunions. Since we cannot go back to walking barefooted on soft, spongy ground, other methods should be sought to prevent the serious foot difficulties which affect so many. The most important thing to do is be sure that a person is well shod, not some of the time, but all of the time. Of course, keeping the feet dry and clean and giving the feet exercise—on the beach when possible, or even on the rug in the house- may help some, but the importance of choosing the right shoe is undoubtedly paramount. It is probably not necessary in most instances to use an X-ray machine or fluoroscope as an aid to fitting shoes, but this is commonly done, and the question has been raised repeatedly as to whether it might harm either the cust- tomer or the salesperson. Until recently it was difficult to answer this question correctly, but now a report on this problem has come from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Possible Harm From X-ray This report points out that the use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopic devices are potentially harmful for both salespersb^s and customers. The committee has consequently issued a "guide" designed to lessen the amount of radiation (Xray) to which persons are exposed during the use of fluoroscopic shoe- fitting devices. The recommendations are too long to quote here, but they should be carefully followed by every shoe store using such a device, and should carry a warning label reading something like this: "Exposure to X-ray may be harmful. Customers must not operate this machine Limit for each customer: Five Xray shoe fitting per day, yearly total not to exceed 20 fittings."
