Effects of x-Ray Film Processing on Health Status of Medical Radiographers at Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abstract: The present study aimed to understand the association between health status of medical radiographers and the exposure to chemical fumes in an x-ray film processing room of radiographic departments as compared to control group of physiotherapists. Study tools included a closed ended questionnaire, spirometric measurements, complete blood counts, and serum total IgE quantitation. Results showed a significant and worse deviations in health status of medical radiographers (health complains, spirometric measurements, platelets count, serum IgE) as compared to control group. Significant correlations were reported between the evaluation variables of health status and years of experience of medical radiographers and number of weekly processing hours at darkrooms. Unawareness of MRs, poor structural designs together with operational deficiencies were major features of radiology departments. In conclusion, the present study revealed an exaggerated health status of medical radiographers. The responsibility could be attributed on one hand to the irresponsible practices and less awareness of the medical radiographers, while on the other hand to poor design of radiographic departments and darkrooms operational and ventilation deficiencies.

Keywords: Medical radiographers, darkroom, spirometry, health complains, x-ray film, IgE