Investigation of mutagenic effects in personnel occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in Brazil

Ionizing radiation (IR) are present in most of the early diagnosis of a multitude of diseases, many cancers are included, and have the characteristic of a quick and accurate diagnosis, and often cheaper. The use of this type of energy but requires specific care protection, since the IR has a characteristic of altering the genetic material through mutations. The radiology area operators in hospitals are the class of workers who are exposed more directly and thus are targets of investigations that may assist in understanding the interaction of IR with the biological material, in addition to assisting these professionals in requirement radiological protection We collected 73 samples of individuals working in various radiology departments in five hospitals in four different states in Brazil (Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul and Para). The selection criteria for participation were: at least 18 years old and 2 years in the profession, not alcoholic or smoker, not taking drugs. For cytogenetic analysis were performed the comet test and micronucleus, and chromosome aberration study. This study was approved by ethics committee All the samples were compared to individuals of the same age and gender who have not gone through any kind of radiological examination in the last 6 months. When compared with the control, MN tests and AC showed a total damage, using the t test, the database and SPSS BioEstat. The comet assay showed a higher level of damage compared to controls (0.84 0,47). the average age was established and made relationship between gender and age of the participants, the more damage levels in females compared to males. Individuals aged over 45 years also showed a higher level of damage when compared with the age. A factor to be taken into consideration is that the population of Porto Alegre present a lower level of damage compared to other groups, and most likely this event due to the use of DR equipment Direct conversion. The Belo Horizonte and Ribeirao Preto equipment using CR and Belem, conventional. (author)