Chromosomal Aberrations in Radiation Waste Repository Workers Detected by FISH Painting and Giemsa Staining

We aimed to assess chromosomal aberration frequency by means of FISH chromosome painting and conventional Giemsa staining in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers at a nuclear waste repository. The results obtained from the exposed group were compared with those from a control group from the administrative staff of the company. Data on health and social status were collected using a questionnaire. Conventional chromosomal analysis after Giemsa staining did not indicate any significant difference between radiation exposed and control workers. Analysis after FISH chromosome painting revealed a 2-fold increased in genomic frequency of stable chromosomal translocations in the exposed group over the control group. The difference is of marginal statistical