Influencing factors for micronucleus levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes of medical radiation workers / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the micronucleus levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes of medical radiation workers, and to provide a basis for radiation protection to reduce occupational hazards caused by ionizing radiation. Methods A total of 1072 medical radiation workers were selected into radiation group, and 329 healthy adults who underwent pre-employment occupational physical examination and intended to be radiation workers were selected into control group. The micronucleated lymphocyte frequency was determined by whole blood micro-culture. Results There were no significant differences in micronucleated cell frequency and micronucleus frequency between the radiation group and the control group (both P > 0.05). The detection rate of micronucleus abnormalities in the radiation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Female radiation workers had significantly higher micronucleated cell frequency, micronucleus frequency, and the detection rate of micronucleus abnormalities than male radiation workers (all P < 0.001). Between different types of work, significant differences were observed in micronucleated cell frequency and micronucleus frequency (both P < 0.05), but not in the detection rate of micronucleus abnormalities (P > 0.05). Radiation workers with different lengths of working showed significant differences in micronucleated cell frequency (P < 0.05), micronucleus frequency (P < 0.05), and the detection rate of micronucleus abnormalities (P < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in micronucleated cell frequency and micronucleus frequency between different age groups (both P < 0.05). The Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that micronucleated cell frequency and micronucleus frequency were positively correlated with the age of radiation workers (both P < 0.001). Conclusion The micronucleus frequency of radiation workers was related to the type and length of work, and had a positive correlation with age. Radiation protection should be enhanced for workers engaged in medical radiation for a long period, especially female workers and workers with a long length of service.