Occupational exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields and sleep quality among MRI - Technicians - A cross-sectional study in the Netherlands

Abstract

We investigated the association between occupational exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields with sleep quality in a cross-sectional study among 490 imaging technicians in the Netherlands. Imaging technicians filled in questionnaires about MRI exposure, lifestyle, work practices and sleep quality and quantity (Medical Outcomes Study sleep scale). Of six sleep domains, exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields appeared to be associated with increased sleep disturbance (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.00-3.70) and non-optimal sleep duration (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.11-3.44). Given earlier findings of possible increased accident risks among exposed imaging technicians, these findings merit follow-up.