X-rays: Too much of a good thing?

According to a June, 2007 New York Times article, Americans are being exposed to inordinately high amounts of radiation, due almost chiefly to the increase in exposure to X-rays.

From 1980 to 2006, the average per capita exposure to ionizing radiation from imaging exams (such as CT scans, mammograms, and traditional X-rays), rose by almost 600%. There is no question that imaging of this kind has revolutionized modern medicine and, specifically, diagnosis. However, there are risks inherent to X-ray exposure, which is why the World Health Organization and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified them as carcinogenic.

Again, there's simply no disputing the fact that imaging procedures are often necessary. But, what should be taken into account is the overall exposure to X-rays over a given period of time.