Comparative study of cytogenetic biomonitoring in veterinary personnel occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay

Introduction: Ionizing radiation (RI) can induce the formation of micronuclei (MN). The formation of MN is used as a biomarker of radiation-induced genetic damage. Objective: assess DNA damage resulting from occupational exposure to RI in veterinary personnel. Objective: assess DNA damage resulting from occupational exposure to RI in veterinary personnel. Methods: the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (MNBC) was used to compare the observed frequency of MN in 40 individuals occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation with respect to a control group of 32 participants, both groups belonging to veterinary personnel. In addition, demographic, lifestyle and occupational variables that could influence the formation of MN were recorded. Results: Being female, older, being widowhood, and having a lower level of education were risk factors for having a high frailty index and lower financial satisfaction doing activities at home have adverse effects. Conclusion: the frequency of MN tends to increase in women, as the participant's age increases and as the number of radiographic images performed increases.