[239Pu and chromosomal aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes]

Area of Science:

• Radiation Biology
• Cytogenetics
• Occupational Health

Context:

• Assesses genome status in somatic cells of plutonium workers.
• Utilizes chromosomal aberration (CA) test in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
• Examines exposure to low-transportable airborne 230Pu compounds.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the relationship between plutonium body burden, lung dose, and chromosomal aberrations.
• To determine the threshold for CA yield in response to plutonium exposure.
• To apply a phenomenological model for quantitative analysis.

Summary:

• 194 plutonium workers underwent cytogenetic analysis.
• Chromatid and chromosomal aberrations were quantified.
• A dose-response relationship was established between CA frequency, plutonium body burden, and lung absorbed dose.

Impact:

• Identified a CA yield threshold of 0.43 ± 0.03 kBq for plutonium body burden.
• Established a lung absorbed dose threshold of 6.12 ± 1.20 cGy for CA induction.
• Provides crucial data for radiation protection standards and biomonitoring of plutonium-exposed individuals.