Spontaneous abortions in female populations occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

Fucic, A; Merlo, DF; Ceppi, M; Lucas, J

HERO ID

1510474

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2008

Language

English

PMID

18058121

HERO ID 1510474
In Press No
Year 2008
Title Spontaneous abortions in female populations occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation
Authors Fucic, A; Merlo, DF; Ceppi, M; Lucas, J
Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Volume 81
Issue 7
Page Numbers 873-879
Abstract Objective: Exposure to radioisotopes of metals and halogen elements occurring in medical practice may cause spontaneous abortions. The potential role of occupational exposure to X-rays and internal radioisotopes on pregnancy outcome in childbearing age women employed in hospital departments were analyzed in order to estimate miscarriage risk. Methods: Over a period of 16 years, the occurrence of miscarriages in 61 women exposed to radioisotopes was compared to that reported in 170 X-ray exposed women. Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were measured in both radiation-exposed groups and in 53 non-exposed women. Results: Women exposed to radioisotopes experienced at least a threefold higher rate of spontaneous abortions than those exposed to X-ray (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.39-9.74, P < 0.01). Although X-ray and radioisotopes exposed women had significantly higher levels of chromosome type frequency (0.51 +/- 0.82, and 0.63 +/- 0.99, respectively) than referents (0.17 +/- 0.34), there was no clear difference between radiation-exposed women. Conclusions: For exposure levels within standard recommended guidelines, radioisotopes are far more likely to play a role in the occurrence of spontaneous abortions than X-rays. Such biological effect is not detectable by deviations in CA frequency.
Doi 10.1007/s00420-007-0281-1
Pmid 18058121
Wosid WOS:000255113400010
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
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