The value of cytogenetic monitoring versus film dosimetry in the hot zone of a nuclear power plant

Abstract

Cytogenetic analysis was carried out in 41 workers prior to and following regular maintenance work in a nuclear power plant. Although film dosimetry did not show the maximal annual permitted dose in any of the examined subjects, cytogenetic analysis carried out following the work detected dicentric chromosomes in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 20 workers. According to our findings smoking habits and previous exposure to ionizing radiation had no effect on the increased number of chromosomal aberrations.