HEALTH EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO NON-IONIZING RADIATIONIN HEALTHCARE WORKERS:A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Relevance: The expanded use of magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice has increased the number of specialists in this field and their exposure to non-ionizing radiation. Although some side effects of non-ionizing radiation have been reported in the literature, the data are fragmentary and contain little volume. There is insufficient systematic data on medical workers exposed to non-ionizing radiation over extended periods, underscoring the need for further research. The study aimed to evaluate the health effects of occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation among healthcare workers, using published scientific evidence. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligi-ble studies included original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that evaluated the health outcomes of healthcare workers exposed to non-ionizing radiation. Data on working conditions, symptoms, and diagnostic methods were collected. The survey included 21 studies that met the in-clusion criteria. Differences between studies, variations in exposure measurement methods, and reli-ance on employee self-reports are the main limitations that can affect the accuracy of the findings. Results: The studies included in this review consistently reported a high prevalence of short-term subjective complaints among healthcare personnel working with MRI, most commonly headache, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensory alterations, and cognitive problems. A relationship between dose and symptoms was observed, especially with high-field MRI systems (≥3T). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation poses a significant health risk to med-ical workers. While non-ionizing radiation is primarily associated with acute subjective symptoms, these results underscore the importance of strengthening preventive measures, revising dose-limits, and implementing regular medical supervision to mitigate occupational risks.