Evaluation of Radiological Abnormalities in Workers Exposed to Heavy Metals and Solvents: A Single-Center Study
Abstract
Objectives: Heavy metal and solvent exposure is an important occupational hazard that causes serious health problems in industrial workers. This
study aimed to evaluate radiological abnormalities in patients diagnosed with occupational heavy metal and solvent toxicity.
Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, 962 male patients between the ages of 18 and 64 who were diagnosed with heavy metal and solvent
toxicity between 2018 and 2020 were examined. Radiological evaluations were performed with posterior-anterior chest radiography, high-resolution
computed tomography of the thorax, abdominal radiography and abdominal ultrasonography. Abnormal findings were systematically recorded and
analyzed.
Results: Emphysema was detected in 29.6% of the patients, hepatosteatosis in 58.1% and osteoporosis in 14.2%. These rates are higher than
the rates in the general population. Additionally, 10.2% of patients had a reticulonodular pattern suggestive of pneumoconiosis, while 6.1% had
gallbladder polyps.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates severe pulmonary, hepatic, and skeletal abnormalities in workers exposed to heavy metals and solvents. The
findings highlight the need for stricter occupational safety regulations, preventive strategies, and regular health screenings for workers at risk.
Future studies should focus on prospective studies that include both male and female individuals to understand the long-term effects of these toxic
exposures.
Keywords
Occupational exposures, heavy metals, solvents, radiology, fatty liver
Ethical Statement
This study was conducted retrospectively and received approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences Türkiye,
Keçiören Training and Research Hospital
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