Work‐attributed symptom clusters (darkroom disease) among radiographers versus physiotherapists: Associations between self‐reported exposures and psychosocial stressors

Abstract

Findings suggest excess symptoms consistent with DRD among MRTs versus PTs, and there were associations among those meeting our definition of DRD with self-reported irritant exposures and psychosocial stressors.

Evaluation of Darkroom disease’s symptoms among radiographers in the West Bank hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Palestine

“…However, the findings of this study are in accordance with those found in other studies [6] on medical radiation technologist which found that sore throat, headache, sore or itchy eyes, abnormal heart beating and runny nose were significant symptoms compared to non-exposed group. The respiratory problems reported in this study are in parallel with other studies findings.…”

“…However, in another study carried out in the year 2004, about 8% of the radiographers who reported darkroom disease symptoms were spending an average of 8.8 hours per week in the darkroom [6]. …”

“…Extensive use of x-ray processing chemistry on a world - wide basis has raised professional concerns regarding darkroom disease which is a term used to describe unexpected multiple symptoms attributed by radiographer to their work environment when being exposed to film processing chemicals [2-6]. These symptoms include: headaches, skin rashes, shortness of breath, mouth ulcers, unusual heart rhythms, painful joints, runny/stuffy nose and nausea.…”

Effects of Glutaraldehyde Exposure on Human Health

“…Since the 1980's, in the United Kingdom (UK), radiographers and darkroom technicians engaged in processing of X-ray films have been reported as developing a variety of symptoms, including asthma, sinus pain, sore eyes, blurred vision, aching and ringing ears, pulmonary and ear infections, weight loss, fatigue, dry skin, inflamed nostrils and nausea, together known as "darkroom disease" [103][104][105][106] . Not only GA but many other chemicals, such as acetic acid, hydroquinone, glycol, sodium sulphite and potassium hydroxide are constituents of the developers used in X-ray film processing 69,70,107,108) .…”

“…On the other hand, Nallon et al 104) reported that radiographers were no more symptomatic than a group of hospital staff not exposed to processing chemicals, since radiographers had significantly higher incidences than PTs for the symptoms of bad taste and sore eyes, but PTs had significantly higher incidences of sore throat and nasal discharge. Moreover, a mail survey 106) of 1,483 medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and 1,545 PTs revealed that MRTs had excessive numbers of symptoms consistent with DRD. There were significant associations between these symptoms and selfreporting of increased psychosocial stressors and increased workplace exposure to expected mucous membrane irritants.…”