What is one common risk associated with the use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging?

The use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging is associated with an increased risk of cancer primarily because ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thereby causing ionization. This process can lead to DNA damage in cells. If the damaged DNA is not adequately repaired, it could lead to mutations, which over time may result in cancer.

Statistically, it has been established that even low doses of ionizing radiation, such as those used in X-rays and CT scans, can slightly increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly when exposure is frequent or when it occurs during sensitive periods in life, such as childhood.

In contrast, the other options relate to risks not typically associated with ionizing radiation. For example, while an increased risk of infection may arise in certain medical procedures, it is not linked to radiation exposure. Allergic reactions are more commonly related to contrast agents used in imaging rather than radiation itself. Respiratory issues do not have a direct correlation with ionizing radiation in a medical imaging context. Hence, the recognition of cancer risk is paramount in the consideration of safety and protocols in radiological practices.