Occupational health problems in processing of X-ray photographic films

Hazards to health from exposure to chemicals in automatic processing of photographic film is well documented by ILO and others. In the early 1980s increasing reports of miscellaneous health problems including respiratory and skin effects in radiographers processing X-ray films were published. In some cases asthmatic type responses were reported to be so severe as to exclude the radiographer from further work. It has been suggested that the increased number of such cases coincided with process changes, in particular the increased addition of glutaraldehyde as a hardening agent in the developer to offset the softening of the film especially those of low silver content. Attention must also be focused however on other miscellaneous chemicals present and of the possibility of synergistic reactions. The major problems appear to be associated with heavy workloads, poorly designed and ill-ventilated darkrooms or processing rooms, and lack of appropriate safe handling techniques for the chemicals used. Several studies illustrate improvements by attention to good occupational hygiene practice. The necessity for a holistic approach to control of such a complex micro-environment is stressed. It is unlikely that a single causal agent can be identified.