Radiation Protection
The daily exposure to radiation poses one of the most dangerous occupational hazards to physicians and healthcare workers.
Throughout their careers, physicians with high exposure are subjected to an estimated 50mSv - 200mSv of ionizing radiation,1,2 which equates to 2,500 - 10,000 chest X-rays.3
This can pose significant health risks, such as an increased risk of cancer, cataracts, and hypertension.4
References
1 Picano E, Vano E. Radiation exposure as an occupational hazard. EuroIntervention. 2012; 8: 649–653. doi: 10.4244/EIJV8I6A101
2 Vaño E, Gonzalez L, Fernandez JM, Alfonso F, Macaya C. Occupational radiation doses in interventional cardiology: a 15-year follow-up. Br J Radiol. 2006; 79: 383–388. doi: 10.1259/bjr/26829723
3 Venneri L, Rossi F, Botto N, et al. Cancer risk from professional exposure in staff working in cardiac catheterization laboratory: insights from the National Research Council’s Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII Report. Am Heart J. 2009; 157: 118–124. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2008.08.009
4 Andreassi MG, Piccaluga E, Guagliumi G, Del Greco M, Gaita F, Picano E. Occupational Health Risks in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Workers. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2016 Apr;9(4):e003273. doi: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.115.003273.