Introduction: A large number of studies indicated that ionizing radiation exposure is a risk factor for some cancers and non-cancer diseases. However, hypothesis supported by the literature of knowing whether protracted exposure to external ionizing radiation like in radiology services could induce other cancers and non-cancers diseases is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term morbidity among medical X-ray workers in Republic of Benin, from 1972 to 2019. Methods: Exposed (335) and unexposed workers (193), first employed between 1972 and 2019 were included in a cohort study in 2019 at Republic of Benin. Information on morbidity, personal and medical history, lifestyle, and socio-professional characteristics was retrieved from self-reported data. Spearman and Chi-square test were used to analyze the distribution of demographic characteristics in cohort. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the development of eye diseases (ED) and skin mass, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol drinking, occupational time, and year of employment. Results: The exposed workers had a higher risk of occurrence of ED and skin mass with the adjusted HRs (aHR) of 2.3 (95% CI = 1.4 - 3.9) and 3.3 (95% CI = 1.2 - 12.7) respectively, after adjusting for relevant variables. Heavy alcohol drinking had an increased risk of skin mass compared to those who did not drink (aHR, 7.6; 95% CI = 2.2 - 22.5). Conclusion: Association between radiation exposure and ED and skin mass was significant. Radiation exposure on the skin mass formation provides a basis for further studies.
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