A new study done by Maria Grazia Andreassi of the CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy, shows that healthcare workers in cardiology may be harmed by radiation at work. Hospital staff who work in so-called “cath labs”, where procedures for many heart conditions including heart arrhythmias and heart defects are conducted, are exposed to high doses of X-ray radiation from some of the imaging machines used in surgery. Data from 466 exposed cardiologists, nurses, and technicians over 10 years has pointed to a 2.5% increase in the risk of cancer, 8% increase in skin legions, and 30% increase in orthopedic illness. While protective material like leaded aprons and radiation shields are available, these devices are not regularly used in the laboratory.