Safety in Imaging and Radiation Treatment

Ionizing radiation is extensively used in the healthcare sector, for instance in procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and radiation therapy. As a result, a significant portion of healthcare personnel are exposed to radiation. Although the doses received by the personnel are low, they are consistently present throughout their careers. Drawing from the experiences of nuclear incidents like Hiroshima and Chernobyl, we understand the potential harm a brief, high dose of radiation can inflict on the body. However, our knowledge regarding the effects of the radiation that healthcare personnel are exposed to remains limited. Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular issues among healthcare personnel, yet our understanding of their actual work-related health risks remains incomplete.

With this project, our goal is to analyze anonymized data from individuals who have either worked with ionizing radiation in the healthcare sector or continue to do so. We intend to investigate how this exposure impacts their risk of developing pathology such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, dementia, and fertility problems, in comparison to personnel who are not subjected to occupational radiation.