DT News - UK - Cheap dental X-ray device puts users and patients at risk

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 4 December 2012

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LONDON – The British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned dentists about a hand-held X-ray device that exposes users to unacceptable levels of radiation. The Tianjie Dental Falcon is manufactured in China and can be purchased on the Internet for only £200 (€246).

As reported by the BBC, the device manufactured by the Zhengzhou Tianjie Electronic Equipment Company exposes users and patients to ten times the normal level of radiation, increasing their risk of cancer and organ damage. The number of devices in circulation and the number of patients possibly placed at risk thus far is not known.

Emergency testing by the Health Protection Agency and scientists at King’s College Hospital in London found that the device has insufficient lead shielding inside it to protect dentists and patients from excessive radiation. According to the BBC, the machine’s X-ray beam is also too wide, so instead of only exposing the patient’s mouth, his or her whole skull and brain are exposed to radiation. Furthermore, the Tianjie Dental Falcon puts users at risk because its European plug and travel adapter are not earthed or fused for the UK mains supply. This could lead to accidental fires and electric shocks.

The Chinese manufacturer is currently unavailable for comment, the BBC stated. Dentists who have purchased the device are advised to contact the MHRA.

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