Healthcare Workers Exposure to Ionizing Radiation: Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Response

BACKGROUND: Ionizing radiation is well known to cause oxidative stress which is responsible for various health hazards. Controlling healthcare workers' exposure and raising attention toward continuous monitoring is the first step for improving both the health of healthcare workers and the quality of patient care, thus decreasing both human and economic costs. OBJECTIVES: To assess oxidative stress by measuring the level of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and measure complete blood count (CBC) among healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at the diagnostic radiology department on 31 healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation and a non-exposed group of 31 healthcare workers from outpatient clinics. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and CBC were measured among both groups. RESULTS: MDA was significantly higher among the exposed group, while the level of SOD was significantly lower. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were significantly lower among the exposed group. The most significant predictor of oxidative stress was the duration of work. CONCLUSION: Ionizing radiation exposure induce oxidative stress which has an important role in radiation-related health effects. Anemia was the most common hematological health hazards among the exposed group.