Occupational radiation exposure: population studies

Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in the medical setting differs from the acute exposure received by survivors of atomic bomb blasts. Yet, atomic bomb survivors' disease and mortality outcomes have been the standard data source on the effects of ionizing radiation on humans. Therefore, the prevailing estimated risks of ionizing radiation may not apply to radiologic technologists and other medical radiation workers. Carefully designed epidemiological trials provide evidence that helps determine the strength of association between exposure and onset of disease in selected populations. This article reviews radiation effects, explains some basic design concepts of epidemiologic trials and surveys the epidemiology literature related to radiation exposure to humans, with special attention to radiology staff.