Radiation-related neoplasms, circulatory diseases, and cataracts among radiological technologists

Background: In response to the need for diagnosis and treatment, medical radiation has been increasingly used worldwide. This study investigated the medical utilization of radiation-related diseases among radiological technologists (RTs) and factors that influence such diseases. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A panel study was conducted with a sample of 3,432 RTs obtained in 2007 and followed up until 2011. Logistic regression applying generalized estimating equations was used for investigating the relationship between RTs and radiation-related diseases. Results: Among the RTs, the annual medical utilization rate of hospitalization for radiation-related neoplasms was 1.17‰-4.43‰, that for circulatory diseases was 4.68‰-11.50‰, and the annual medical utilization rate of outpatient visits for cataracts was 2.91‰-7.38‰. After sex, age, hospital accreditation level, and hospital ownership were controlled, the odds of hospitalization for neoplasms and circulatory diseases among the RTs were nonsignificantly higher than those of pharmacists, and the odds of outpatient visits for cataracts among the RTs were nonsignificantly lower than those of pharmacists. Conclusion: No sufficient evidence exists to substantiate the argument that the exposure of RTs to current doses of radiation could increase the risk of neoplasms, circulatory diseases, and cataracts. Considering the increased use of radiation treatment in current medical facilities, all speculation on occupational radiation-induced diseases must be further investigated and verified.