Reactions to chemical fumes in radiology departments

The Spicer-Hay-Gordon Report on the survey of New Zealand radiographers, published in Australasian Radiology in August 1986, indicates a need for further investigation into various aspects of the problems of radiographers' health. This paper presents four case reports to substantiate claims that health professionals exposed to x-ray processing chemicals suffer a variety of symptoms mentioned in the survey. It also seeks to point the way for more detailed investigation into particular aspects of the problem - processor design, darkroom ventilation, safety in chemical handling, awareness of the chemical hazards in radiographic departments and a review of training manuals in schools of radiography.