Evaluation of chromosome aberations in peripheral blood lymphocyte culture in radiology technicians occupational exposure to ionized radiation

Introduction and Objective: Radiation causes significant health problems in healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic effects and relationship of radiology technicians' occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on peripheral lymphocytes at the chromosomal level and to contribute to the field of occupational health and safety. Material and Method: This study is cross-sectional type. Among the radiology technicians working in the controlled area of the radiology unit, the group exposed to ionizing radiation (n=36) was included in the study. The control group consisted of individuals (n=36) who did not work in the radiology departments in the past, and who had similar characteristics with the study group in terms of age, gender, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, drug use and presence of chronic disease. Radiation exposure level was assessed by annual personal radiation dose records. Genotoxic effects of ionizing radiation on chromosome; were evaluated as structural and numerical aberrations. Results: 75% (n=54) of the participants in the study were male. Total irregularities were 27.8% (n=150) in those who did not have a chronic disease and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs; it was 72.2% (n=389) in those who had chronic diseases and used cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. The mean total structural irregularity was found to be significantly higher in those exposed to ionizing radiation compared to the control group. The mean chromatid gap was found to be significantly higher in those exposed to ionizing radiation compared to the control group. Age and exposure time were found to be moderately negatively correlated with the mean annual whole body radiation dose. Conclusion: The mean total frequency of irregularities was found to be statistically significantly higher in radiology technicians exposed to ionizing radiation than in the control group. Average whole body radiation dose; it was found that it decreased with increasing age and working time.