Current health status of high-radon exposure miners in a typical non-uranium mine in Jiangxi Province, China / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the health status of high-radon exposure miners in a typical non-uranium mine in Jiangxi Province, China. Methods A general survey was conducted to investigate the basic situation and awareness rate of radon among underground miners aged ≥ 40 years, and the occupational health examination and low-dose lung computed tomography scan were carried out. Results The awareness rate of radon among miners working down the mine was only 3.70%. The peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome aberration analysis showed an aberration rate of 0% per 100 cells. The peripheral blood lymphocyte micronucleus test showed an abnormal rate of 0.02‰. Ophthalmic examinations (slit-lamp examination of the lens, the vitreous body, the fundus) showed no abnormality. The abnormal rate of leukocyte count was 3.70%, and the detection rate of small lung nodules was 48.15%. Conclusion The high-radon exposure minors had a high detection rate of small lung nodules, and lack knowledge of radon. It is urgent to strengthen the publicity and education on the hazards of radon and the prevention and control of occupational diseases.