Rassegna bibliografica

Vol. 72, Iss. 9, September 2015

Protracted low-dose radiation exposure and cataract in a cohort of Chinese industry radiographers


Riassunto

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the risk of cataract following protracted low doses of radiation exposure among industry radiographers and comparison groups of unexposed workers.

Methods A cohort of 1401 industry radiographers and 1878 unexposed workers in China was followed up for 12 years. The lens doses were based on individual monitoring. Presence of cataract was assessed clinically based on lens photographs using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Radiation dose–response analyses were performed for cataract incidence by using Poisson regression, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results Industry radiographers were significantly more likely than unexposed workers to develop cortical (HR=2.58, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.82), posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract (HR=3.57, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.79) and mixed cataract (HR=3.25, 95% CI 1.20 to 6.78), but not nuclear cataract (HR=0.93, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.11). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, old age at exposure, and high body mass index (>27 km/m2) were significantly associated with increased risk of cortical, PSC and mixed cataracts. However, the risk decreased for regular users of shielded enclosures, lead eyeglasses and lead aprons. No dose–effect relationship was observed for cortical (excess relative risk (ERR)/Sv=0.16; 95% CI −0.04 to 0.36) and PSC cataract (ERR/Sv=0.14; 95% CI −0.90 to 0.76).

Conclusions The results indicated a radiation effect for cortical and PSC cataract at doses less than the annual limit of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidelines. Regarding current eye risk guidelines, the results challenged the ICRP assumption that cataract is a dose-limiting ocular pathology. Regular use of radiation-protective equipment is therefore strongly recommended for eye safety.

Keywords

industry radiographers, low-dose radiation, occupational exposure, risk of cataract

Articoli correlati che potrebbero interessarti

Health Care Workers’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Behaviors Regarding Antineoplastic Drugs: Survey From British Columbia, Canada

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. Vol. 12, Iss. 10, October 2015

DNA damage in B and T lymphocytes of farmers during one pesticide spraying season

Vol. 88, Iss. 7, Oct 2015

Exposure to heavy metals due to pesticide use by vineyard farmers

Vol. 88, Iss. 7, Oct 2015