Are there any adverse effects of static magnetic field from magnetic resonance imaging devices on bone health of workers?

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of static magnetic field (SMF) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices on the bone health of MRI workers. Materials and methods: Fourteen volunteer MRI technicians working with 1.5 Tesla MRI units at least for two years were included in the study. An age and sex-matched control group from indoor working 14 volunteer paramedical staff who were not exposed to SMF and met the identical criteria was formed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning was performed in all participants. Parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels were measured. Results: The mean vertebral and femoral neck bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) as well as the mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level of MRI technicians was found to be lower than the control group (p<0.01). Despite presenting within the normal range, the mean calcium level of MRI technicians was higher than the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in other variables between the groups. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, adverse effects of SMF from MRI devices on the bone health of MRI workers were detected for the first time. However, further multicenter studies and animal experiments are required to gain a better understanding of the mechanism that how the SMF affects bone health in chronic exposure.