Possible discrepancies between dicentric chromosome frequencies and recorded ionizing radiation doses: in vivo study.

BACKGROUND

The available data on the effects of radiation on humans are limited to the reports of accidental exposure or studies of patients under diagnostic and therapeutic treatment; few reports refer to a occupationally exposed population groups.

METHODS

The research was conducted on 66 subjects employed in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and 41 nonemployed controls. For each of them chromosomal analysis and gamma-spectrometer analysis of 24-hour urine were carried out. Exposure doses were measured using film-badge dosimetry.

RESULTS

The comparison of dosimetric data obtained by film-badge measurements and the frequency of dicentric chromosomes in each subject revealed no correlation between the two observed parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

In view of the above results, the subjects should be studied within job/task groups as they are far more likely to receive comparable doses.