Risk of occupational radiation-induced cataract in medical workers.

Abstract

Backgroundionizing radiation on the lens of the eye can produce a progressive cataract. Small cumulative doses, over a long time period, can produce adverse effects on the professional capabilities of health workers in the ionizing radiation zone.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to ascertain whether occupational exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation can cause an increase in prevalence of cataract.MethodWe compared a group with occupational cataract, consisting of 115 health workers in the ionizing radiation zone, and two control groups: a group of 100 health-care workers in the ionizing radiation zone, with a higher incidence of chromosomal aberrations, but without cataract; and another control group of 26 health-care workers with cataract, outside the zone; all risk factors for the development of cataract were considered: age, sex, diference in profession, duration of occupational exposure, years of service, level of blood sugar, blood pressure, arrhythmias, etc.ResultsA more significant incidence of cataract was found in workers in the ionizing radiation zone, where the relative risk was 4.6; p ConclusionsOccupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation, together with other risk factors, is a significant cofactor in the occurrence of cataract as an occupational disease among x-ray exposed health care workers. The categories most at risk are radiology technicians,followed by radiologists.