Assesment of chromosomal damage in workers occupationally exposed to x-rays

The chromosomal aberrations analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and the scoring of micronuclei could be an important source of information for cytogenetic injury following occupationally exposure to ionizing radiations. Blood samples were collected from 40 workers handling X-rays machines. Chromosomal aberrations were analyzed from 500 metaphases per person. Micronuclei were scored from 1000 binucleated cells per person. The results were compared with those obtained from 60 control individuals selected to match at least the age and who had never been occupationally or therapeutically exposed to ionizing radiations, non-ionizing radiations or chemical mutagens. It has been noticed an increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in the exposed group. Dicentrics frequency was not directly correlated with the duration of employment in the exposed group. In contrast, the frequency of micronuclei was higher with the increase of the duration of employment. (author)