Both stable and unstable chromosomal aberrations in the lymphocytes of the peripheral human blood are a sensitive and easily reproducible indicator of the radiation exposure [1, 2]

The research objective is assessment of structural genomic damages in plutonium workers. The study group included workers of the Mayak Production Association subjected to chronic occupational internal exposure to incorporated Pu 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 chromosomal type aberrations (intraand interchromosomal 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 Pu, and Pu body burden, and (b) the yield of intrachromosomal aberrations and an absorbed dose from internal exposure of the RBM to Pu and Pu body burden.