Assessment of chromosomal aberrations in workers chronically exposed to ionising radiation

Abstract

Chromosome aberration analysis was performed in blood lymphocytes of 29 Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant workers and 41 medical workers employed in diagnostic radiology. Their radiation exposure doses did not exceed the annual dose limit (20 mSv of the effective dose). The control groups comprised age- and sex- matched donors, 26 females and 64 males. Chromosome aberration frequencies in the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant workers did not differ from those in controls (1.62 ± 0.25 versus 1.65 ± 0.15 CA/100 cells, P > 0.05). However, a significant increase in the total chromosome aberration (2.57 ±0.24 versus 1.74 ± 0.22 CA/100 cells, P < 0.05) and total chromosome-type aberration frequencies (1.40 ± 0.19 versus 0.82 ± 0.18 per 100 cells, P < 0.05) was found in the medical personnel. Keywords: occupational exposure, ionising radiation, chromosome aberrations, human lymphocytes