Biological Monitoring of Body Natural Metal Elements in Radiologists

Radiologists are exposed to occupational radiation. Exposure to radiation increases the likelihood of changes in the body's essential metal elements and the occurrence of radical chain reactions and lipid peroxidation in the membrane, decreased enzymatic activity, ionic currents, and activation of ion channels. Biological monitoring of these elements is essential to prevent more serious side effects on the body. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the amount of copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium in the blood serum of radiologists. This case-control study was conducted in 2020 on 50 radiologists and 50 controls in Shiraz hospitals. Serum 5 cc of blood was extracted using a centrifuge. Then, the concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium in serum were measured with an AA-7050 atomic absorption spectrometer. Finally, the data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The mean serum concentrations of iron and zinc in radiologists and the control group were significant (Pv 0.05). The mean of iron concentration was higher in male radiologists than in female radiologists (Pv<0.05). The results of this study showed that radiation in radiologists can have positive or negative changes on the concentration of iron and zinc in the body. It is suggested that biological monitoring of these elements in the blood serum of radiologists be used as an indicator of exposure to this adverse physical agent to prevent more serious symptoms.