The mechanical property of a phosphore layer was investigated by measuring the resolution (LP/mm) and by positron annihilation spectroscopy and SEM. Image plate samples containing the phosphore layer were irradiated by X-rays in a hospital numerous times over a course of several years. The LP/mm values of a (Ba,Sr)FBr : Eu image plate irradiated by X-rays varied between 2.2 and 2.0 over a period of four years. Coincidence Doppler Broadening (CDB) positron annihilation spectroscopy was used to analyze defect structures. The S parameters of the samples from hospital use varied from 0.6219 to 0.6232. There was a positive relationship between the time of exposure to the X-rays and the S parameters. Most of the defects were found to have been generated by X-rays.