Analysis of micronucleus rate in 394 radiation workers with cytokinesis-block micronucleus method / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the micronucleus rate of radiation workers and to provide accurate occupational health monitoring basis in radiation workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation for a long time. Methods The radiation group consisted of 353 radiation workers who had been exposed to ionizing radiation during work, while the control group consisted of 41 radiation workers who had not yet been exposed to ionizing radiation before work. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus method was used to determine the micronucleus rate. Results The average micronucleus rate in the radiation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (t = −2.95, P < 0.05). In the radiation group, the micronucleus rate gradually increased with age, and the difference was statistically significant (F = 8.36, P < 0.05). The micronucleus rates of workers with > 10 and > 30 years of service were significantly higher than those of workers with < 10 years of service (χ2 = −44.79, −60.47, P < 0.05). The micronucleus rate in females was significantly higher than that in males (t = 3.93, P < 0.05). The micronucleus rates in the diagnostic radiology group and the industrial detection group were significantly higher than that in the control group (t = 3.51, 3.65, P < 0.05). Conclusion The micronucleus rate has increased among the radiation workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation for a long time. It is necessary to further strengthen occupational health monitoring and radiation protection education for radiation workers, especially the medical workers that constitute the largest population of radiation exposure workers.