Radiological Health Program

The Radiological Health Program evaluates the equipment and operating procedures of x-ray and tanning facilities throughout the County. Assuring compliance with the regulations provides protection against accidental harmful exposures during medical x-rays and visits to tanning salons.

X-ray Equipment Inspections

The Radiological Health Program inspects and evaluates several different types of x-ray equipment that can be located at various types of facilities. The Department visits chiropractors, clinics, doctors, dentist, educational facilities, hospitals, industrial sites, podiatrists, and veterinarians. Following is a list of the type of x-ray equipment frequently tested by program staff:

  • Above table Fluoroscopic
  • Above table Radiographic
  • C-arm Fluoroscopic
  • Dental Radiographic
  • Head and Neck
  • Industrial Gauges
  • Mobile Radiographic
  • Under table Fluoroscopic
  • Vertical Cassette

Regulations to Govern the Production and Use of Radiation in Jefferson County, Alabama

Tanning Inspections

The Health Department evaluates two different types of tanning devices, which can be located at a variety of facilities. Most tanning devices can be found in personal care facilities such as beauty and manicure facilities as well as in one of the several large dedicated tanning facilities. Tanning facilities and equipment are evaluated once each year for cleanliness and operational procedures. Each facility is graded on a scale of 100 and a numerical score is issued upon the completion of each inspection. The following are some of the Health Department requirements for tanning facilities:
  • Tanning devices shall comply with FDA regulations.
  • An operator shall be present when tanning equipment is operated.
  • Tanning devices shall comply with FDA regulations
  • Current inspection results shall be posted in a location easily visible to the consumer.
  • Warning signs shall be posted.
  • Tanning devices shall be cleaned prior to each use.

Health Problems Associated with Tanning

Public health experts and medical professionals are continuing to warn people about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Two types of ultraviolet radiation are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB has long been associated with sunburn, while UVA has been recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation.

Although it's been known for some time that too much UV radiation can be harmful, new information may now make these warnings even more important. Some scientists have suggested recently that there may be an association between UVA radiation and malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/index.html