Occupational exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields and sleep quality among MRI – Technicians - A cross-sectional study in the Netherlands

• Published in: International journal of hygiene and environmental health Vol. 231; p. 113636
• Main Authors: Huss, Anke, Özdemir, Emre, Schaap, Kristel, Kromhout, Hans
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Elsevier GmbH 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Imaging technicians; MRI exposure; Radiographers; Sleep quality; Sleep quantity; Sleep quality; MRI exposure; Radiographers; Sleep quantity; Imaging technicians
• ISSN: 1438-4639; 1618-131X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113636

We investigated the association between occupational exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields with sleep quality in a cross-sectional study among 490 imaging technicians in the Netherlands. Imaging technicians filled in questionnaires about MRI exposure, lifestyle, work practices and sleep quality and quantity (Medical Outcomes Study sleep scale). Of six sleep domains, exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields appeared to be associated with increased sleep disturbance (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.00–3.70) and non-optimal sleep duration (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.11–3.44). Given earlier findings of possible increased accident risks among exposed imaging technicians, these findings merit follow-up.