Effect of ionizing radiation on the occupational health of radiologists / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze peripheral blood hemogram, lymphocyte micronucleus and chromosomal aberrations of radiologists, so as to provide basis for occupational protection and health monitoring of radiologists. Methods Lymphocyte micronucleus, chromosome and blood hemogram analysis were performed on 127 radiologists who received health examinations in 2015, 2017 and 2019, and they were assigned to the radiation group. In addition, 133 medical staff with no history of radiation exposure were selected as the control group. Results The micronucleus rate and chromosome aberration rate of the radiation group were higher than those of the control group, and the white blood cell and platelet counts were lower than those of the control group, both of which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total number of white blood cells in peripheral blood of 127 radiologists decreased gradually with the increase of exposure time to ionizing radiation, and the chromosome aberration rate increased gradually, all of which had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The rate of chromosomal aberration was higher in radiologists with damage work age of more than 20 years than in the low-work age group, and there was no statistical significance between different damage work age (P > 0.05). The chromosome aberration rate of nuclear medicine and interventional therapy was higher than that of other types, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusion Long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation can reduce the total number of white blood cells and increase the chromosome aberration rate of radiologists. It is necessary to strengthen the protective measures for radiologists to reduce the degree of ionizing radiation damage, especially to strengthen the occupational protection for radiologists in nuclear medicine and interventional therapy.