Structural genomic damage in plutonium workers

Abstract

The research objective is assessment of structural genomic damages in plutonium workers. The study group included workers of the Mayak Production Association subject to chronic occupational internal exposure to incorporated 239Pu and/or external γ-rays. A lymphocyte culture of peripheral blood was chosen as an object of study. The yield of intrachromosomal exchange aberrations of chromosomal type on stained slides was analyzed using fluorescent in situ hybridization, mBAND. Linear relationships were revealed between (a) the total yield of chromosome-type aberrations (intra- and inter-chromosomal ones) and the absorbed dose from external exposure of the red bone marrow (RBM) to γ rays, the absorbed dose from internal exposure of the RBM to α-radiation from incorporated 239Pu, and 239Pu body burden, and (b) the yield of intrachromosomal aberrations and an absorbed dose from internal exposure of the RBM to 239Pu and 239Pu body burden.