Analysis of chromosome aberrations in medical diagnostic X-ray workers in China

Five hundred and eighty four medical diagnostic X-ray workers (irradiated group) and 447 non-X-ray medical workers (control group) were investigated. From them, 110907 and 85965 metaphase cells, respectively, were analysed with the method recommended by WHO in 1973. The main results were as follows: (1) fragments were the main product of occupational low-dose radiation; (2) the frequencies of all types of chromosome aberrations were significantly higher in the irradiated group than those in the control group; (3) chromosome aberration rate in the irradiated group tended to increase with the cumulative dose and annual dose. Correlation test showed that there was a close relationship between the chromosome aberration rate and the dose. Linear regression quadratic model were: Y(D)=0.23+0.00183X and Y(d)=0.189+0.0401X, respectively; (4) the difference of frequencies was not statistically significant between sexes and ages in irradiated group. (Author)