Relationship between occupational exposure and concentration of some trace elements in radiology and radiotherapy workers

Background: Investigating the chronic radiation effects in radiotherapy workers requires consideration of those parameters in which any small changes could result in profound effect on biological system. In this regard, body trace elements are believed to have important roles. Objective: To assess the biological effect of occupational exposure on blood trace elements concentrations. Methods: This was a case–control study performed at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2006. Fifty radiotherapy workers were selected as case group and an equal number of hospital staff with similar social class and no radiation exposure as control group. Blood samples were collected from all members of two groups followed by determination of serum content of trace elements including copper, iron, zinc and magnesium. The data were analyzed using variance and regression tests. Findings: The mean concentrations of copper, iron, zinc and magnesium in technician group were 1.026±0.287, 1.052±0.185, 0.768±0.143, 21.112±1.272 and in control group 0.903±0.208, 1.00±0.134, 0.872±0.156, and 21.105±1.372, respectively. Values obtained for copper in technicians group were found to be higher than those of control group (p<0.02). Zinc concentration was shown to be significantly lower in female technicians (p<0.03) than in males. No significant difference was found for magnesium or iron between two study groups. Conclusion: Based on data found in present study, the likelihood of the idea that chronic exposure to radiation could affect the concentration of body trace element is highlighted.