From Bryn Glover, Kirkby Malzeard, North Yorkshire, UK
On the possible use of dental X-rays to assess the age of asylum seekers, I was professionally involved with UK ionising radiation regulations more than 30 years ago, and I recall it was advised that doses be kept as low as reasonably achievable (6 August, p 22). Also, I believe that every exposure needed to be medically justified in terms of benefit to the recipient – this being especially emphasised for children and young adults.
I realise that rules have probably changed, but it is hard to believe that such fundamental principles have been abandoned. I can’t therefore understand how such an obviously political decision to expose asylum seekers, possibly children, to X-ray doses could ever be justified.
