Assessment of some general and oral health hazards among radar exposed workers

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to determine the level of exposure to radar waves irradiation among the workers of radar station and examine the harmful effects of exposure to radar waves upon some target body organs and systems, including the oral affection, among workers of a radar station. There was significantly high exposure levels at the working zone that exceeded in some area - the recommended standard level by more than threefold. The study showed that there was significantly higher frequency of headache, epistaxis, auditory disorders and skin affections among exposed persons in comparison to controls. Also there was significantly higher mean arterial blood pressure both systolic and diastolic among exposed workers compared to controls. Oral manifestations included toothache, clinching of jaws, higher, and higher DMF index gingival score and temporomandibular joint disorders; all were significantly higher among the exposed in comparison to controls. Recommendations include protective measures to decrease exposure to radiation hazards and pre-employment periodical medical and oral examination