CHROMOSOMAL DAMAGE IN WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO CHRONIC LOW-LEVEL IONIZING-RADIATION

Chromosomal aberrations were evaluated in cultures of peripheral lymphocytes from subjects working in diagnostic X-ray and nuclear medicine areas, exposed to electromagnetic ionizing radiation and particulate ionizing emissions, respectively. A 4-fold increase in the level of chromosomal aberrations was found between the exposed and control groups without qualitative or quantitative cytogenetic differences between X-rays and nuclear medicine-exposed workers. Results are discussed in view of the early damage detection from chronic exposures particularly related tt, biological controls, hygienic improvements and overwork in a developing country.