Evaluation of exposure of the eye lens and extremities to ionizing radiations among interventional physicians at Rouen University Hospital

Background: The number of interventional medical procedures performed in France is increasing every year. X-rays are used to guide the surgical procedure, but lead to secondary exposure of anatomical areas not protected by leaded equipment. The association between chronic occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation and potential health effects in medical staff has been demonstrated: radiation-induced cataracts, subungual microvascular anomalies. The main aim of this study was to assess exposure of the eye lens and hands to ionizing radiation among interventional practitioners at Rouen University Hospital. Materials and methods: The study was observational, prospective and monocentric. All practitioners working in the interventional radiology department at Rouen University Hospital were included in the study from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020: four radiologists, four vascular surgeons, two interns and one radiology reference technician. The type of interventional activity performed was defined and quantified for each doctor, based on the dose-area product of all operations carried out during the follow-up period. Individual eye lens and ring dosimetry data were collected over a six-month period. In order to assess exposure of the eye lens and hands over twelve consecutive months, an annual extrapolation of eye lens and hand dosimetry was carried out. Results: The annual extrapolation of eye lens dosimetry showed that three radiologists in the interventional radiology department exceeded the exposure limit value (ELV), set at 20 mSv over twelve consecutive months from July 1, 2023, with values of 23.3, 27 and 33 mSv respectively. With regard to hand exposure to ionizing radiation, none of the practitioners exceeded the ELV of 500 mSv over twelve months for category A workers. However, one radiologist had an annual ring dose interval above the category B ELV, defined at 150 mSv. Conclusion: Interventional radiologists are repeatedly exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation over the course of their professional careers, which can lead to exposure limits being exceeded, particularly for the eye lens. All collective and individual protective equipment must be used to reduce this exposure. Appropriate dosimetric monitoring of the eye lens and hands is essential to quantify the exposure of these practitioners to ionizing radiation. The occupational physician must implement reinforced medical surveillance to prevent and detect any illness likely to be related to exposure to ionizing radiations