Abstract:
Introduction. Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) in the medical sector is
associated with an increased risk to workers' health, a risk that can be significantly reduced
by applying integrated and effective protection and monitoring strategies.
Purpose of the study. This study aimed to assess the risks of occupational IR exposure
among medical workers to substantiate integrated health protection measures in the
workplace.
Material and methods. To assess the immune status of personnel professionally exposed
to IR, immunophenotyping of T- and B- lymphocyte populations was performed by flow
cytometry in 49 subjects - medical personnel from the radiology/medical imaging
departments, both women (n=31/63.3%) and men (n=18/36.7%). The mean length of
occupational exposure to IR was 20.08 years (range: 4–45 years), and the mean age was
52.34 ± 9.91 years.
Results. This study achieved several objectives, namely it examined the legislative
framework and national/European norms for the radiological protection of workers;
identified the main medical professional categories exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) and
performed a quantitative assessment of their health risks, including oncological risk; and
studied the incidence and types of health effects associated with occupational IR exposure.
Proposals for improving monitoring, education, and health protection strategies for exposed
personnel were also developed. Immunophenotyping of the study group yielded the
following results (mean ± SD): CD45+CD3+ T-lymphocytes, 71.45±6.70%; CD3+CD4+ THelpers, 42.07±5.32%; CD3+CD8+ T-Cytotoxics, 26.44±7.65%; immunoregulatory index
(II), 1.84±0.68; CD3+CD56+ NKT cells, 8.03±3.87%; CD3-CD56+ NK cells, 16.17±43.43%;
CD3-CD19+ B-lymphocytes, 10.74±2.69%; and CD3+HLA-DR+ activated T-lymphocytes,
7.81±3.08%. Compared to reference values, the study subjects showed an increase in
CD3+CD56+ NKT cells and CD3-CD56+ NK cells. NKT cells are crucial for immune
regulation and possess direct killing activity; upon activation, they can secrete large
quantities of immune-regulating cytokines such as interleukin and interferon. The average
II was 1.84±0.68 (range: 0.91–4.95), within the reference range of 1.3–2.2. The structure of
morbidity, individual absorbed doses, and laboratory results were also analyzed. Most
parameters were comparable to those found in the general population.
Conclusions. The good health status of the studied group reflects compliance with
radiation protection norms in the relevant departments. This was ensured by technical
cooperation projects with the IAEA that provided RP equipment.
