Spontaneous micronuclei formation in persons living in Sri Lanka in close proximity to a nuclear power plant in India

This was to assess the baseline frequency of micronuclei formation of persons living in Norochchalai, an area in Sri Lanka closest to the Kundankulam nuclear power plant This is important for monitoring radiation hazards & will be useful in case of a nuclear accident. Ten healthy individuals from both sexes were selected from the following age groups; 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, & 50-59 years.10ml of venous blood was drawn and the cytokinesis -block micronuclei assay was performed,1000 binucleate cells were assessed; the median spontaneous micronuclei formation was estimated. Background radiation was measured using an Automess dose rate meter 6150AD. The median (IQ range) micronuclei frequency per 1000 BN cells among the four age groups were 0.00(0.00-0.33) in 20-29, 0.00(0.00-0.17) in 30-39, 0.00(0.00-0.00) in 40-49, & 0.00(0.00-0.33) in 50-59. No significant difference in the median MN frequency between the four age groups. (p=0.161). The median (IQ range) MN frequency among the females (n=27) and males (n=23) was 0.00 (0.00-0.33) for both; no significant difference in the median MN frequency between the two sexes (p=0.838). Significantly higher MN frequency among those exposed to X-rays compared to those without a history of exposure.No significant correlation between background radiation levels & MN frequency The MN frequency can be used as a baseline to monitor exposure to radiation in the future. (author)