Chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of individuals living in high background radiation areas of Ramsar-Iran.

Abstract

The Talesh Mahalleh area in Ramsar has the highest terrestrial radiation potential effective public dose levels in Iran. The high background radiation of this area is mainly due to hot springs with high concentrations of radium-226 and its decay products, which flow into the surrounding areas causing a high potential for public exposure. To identify the dose-dependent increase of dicentrics and ring chromosomes in lymphocytes of the residents in the high background radiation area (HBRA) of Ramsar, personal dose monitoring and cytogenetic investigation were performed for 15 elderly housekeeping women living in Talesh Mahalleh and 10 matched elderly women in the nearby control area (CA) of Katalom where lifestyle and living circumstances of the residents are similar to those of the HBRA. All the subjects in our study are nonsmokers. The age ranges were 50-63 (average of 55.6 ± 4.4) years in HBRA and 50-62 (average of 53.3 ± 4.9) years in the CA. To obtain accurate data in quantifying dicentric and ring chromosomes, we carried out a cytogenetic study using advanced techniques with improved recovery of metaphase. Dicentric and ring chromosomes were scored for more than 2000 cells per individual under a microscope equipped with an automated stage. The exposed radiation dose of each individual in the HBRA and the CA was estimated from the dose measured by an electronic pocket dosimeter (EPDTM) and a Luxel badge. The results of the analysis of unstable chromosome aberrations found in the residents in the HBRA and the control areas will be presented.