The role of chronic exposure on hair loss in radiation workers

Abstract Follicles are part of epidermis and pass through a cell cycle. The result of this cell division is producing hair. Follicles specially growing follicles are very sensitive against irradiation and are damaged by low dose rates. So in this study investigated the relationship between chronic exposure of radiation workers and their hair loss. In this study was used validated questionnaire and TES-TB device for measuring hair density in radiation workers and non radiation workers groups. 152 hospital personnel's participated in project. Radiation workers and non radiation workers groups were matched as age, work situation, work hours, work experience and baldness (family history). The mean hair density in female radiation workers (radiotherapy technicians, nuclear medicine technicians) was more than female non radiation workers (nurses). But there was no significant deference between hair densities of male radiation workers and non radiation workers. The chronic exposure in work place doesnt have any effect on hair loss because the value of dose rate in every session is about 2 cGy. While the minimum dose for hair cell death is 50 cGy and damage are observed as hair loss, reduction of hair thickness and the change of hair color.