DNA strand breaks in peripheral blood leucocytes of Polish blood donors.

Knowledge about the basal level of DNA damage in leucocytes of healthy control populations is essential before estimation of the effects of exposure to external agents in biomonitoring studies. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of some lifestyle factors on baseline DNA damage in leucocytes of humans. The material consisted of the peripheral blood from 276 healthy volunteer blood donors. In addition to the standard blood donation questionnaire, they were asked about age, gender, occupation, radiological history, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, medicine use and pet ownership. The results showed marked intra-individual variability. Significant differences in DNA damage levels were observed between individuals in different age and sex groups, between smokers and non-smokers and between samples taken in different seasons of the year, with the highest DNA damage in those obtained in the summer. Significantly higher levels of DNA damage were noted in leucocytes of donors older than 29 years, in men compared with women and in male smokers. Significantly higher DNA strand breaks were observed in heavy smokers. A non-significantly higher level of DNA damage was observed in individuals subjected to radiological investigation and in those drinking alcohol, whereas lower levels were observed in leucocytes of pet owners and in donors taking medicines. Pet ownership influences the level of DNA damage and there is an interaction between this effect and that of smoking. The smoker/pet owners showed almost half the level of DNA damage of smokers without pets. The current results confirmed high intra-individual variability between the levels of DNA damage of individuals. The significant factors that influence the DNA damage in leucocytes are age, sex and smoking habit, especially in men and in heavy smokers. The finding of reduced DNA damage in the leucocytes of pet owners suggests the tendency towards a beneficial effect of such company.

Dosages of ionizing radiation during limb diagnostic X-ray examinations.

BACKGROUND: X-ray examination is associated with the patient's exposure to ionizing radiation. The dose values depend on the type of the medical procedure used, the X-ray unit technical condition and exposure conditions selected by X-ray technicians. The aim of this study has been to assess the entrance surface dose (ESD) values received by patients during the limb X-ray examination. The results should help doctors in making the decision about sending patients for X-ray examination. At the same time the X-ray unit condition and examination method performance are important for the radiological protection of the medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered the total number of 118 X-ray units located in 56 public healthcare entities and private medical centers in the Masovian Voivodeship. The measurement of the radiation dose rate received by patients was based on our own research procedures. RESULTS: The research has found that there are even more than 10-fold differences in the dose values received by adult patients with several-fold differences in the case of children patients. The broadest dose value range for adult patients was related to femur radiography. The ESD values for this procedure ranged 70.9-765.2 µGy (with the average value of 319.7 µGy). The broadest dose value range for children was related to the knee radiography. The range for children aged 5 years old was 11.8-95.8 µGy (with the average value of 48.9 µGy). CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to immediately implement X-ray room working procedures for the purpose of performing diagnostic examinations based on the existing model procedures. Med Pr 2016;67(3):321-326.

Perfluorinated chemicals in blood serum of inhabitants in central Poland in relation to gender and age.

The goal of this paper is to determine concentrations of seven selected perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs): perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) in the blood serum of men and women of reproductive age from the central region of Poland. The relation between sex of tested subjects and the levels of compounds in blood serum of humans will also be considered and analysed as an element of the risk assessment. The study was made on the blood serum samples collected from 253 women and 176 men of reproductive age between 20 and 44 years from Warsaw and surrounding areas. Higher concentrations of five (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA) from among seven selected PFASs were observed in men in comparison to women from the same populations. Only the concentrations of PFHxS and PFDoDA were slightly higher in women than in men. These differences were statistically significant in all cases, except for PFUnDA. The hypothesis that the concentrations of said compounds increase with age of the test subjects, regardless of gender has not been confirmed.

The effect occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on the DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of nuclear medicine personnel.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was estimation of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes of peripheral blood of staff in a nuclear medicine department. METHODS: The exposed group consisted of 46 volunteers and the control group consisted of 40 volunteers. Samples consisting of 1 ml whole blood were collected by venepuncture. DNA damage in leukocytes was detected by alkaline comet assay. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the effective dose measured by individual dosimeters and DNA damage and no differences between sexes. The mean level of damage to DNA in people exposed to ionizing radiation was significantly elevated compared with control individuals. The highest value for mean comet tail moment was noted in leukocytes of PET/CT and scintigraphy technicians (1.28 vs. 0.30 for control, p=0.013). The levels of DNA damage in leukocytes of workers in category B (effective dose may exceed 1 mSv/year) were significantly enhanced. The DNA migration of leukocytes in exposed smokers and nonsmokers was similar. In the control group the damage to DNA of leukocytes in smokers was markedly but not significantly higher compared with nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation leads to enhanced levels of reversible DNA damage in leukocytes of nuclear medicine employees. The level of DNA damage depends on the kind of work. Cigarette smoking is related to the increase in DNA damage in unexposed individuals but not in nuclear medicine workers. Radiation seems to be a stronger inducer of DNA damage than smoking. Although most of the DNA damage detected by comet assay is repaired, further improvement of radiation safety should be taken under consideration.

Assessing the dose values received by patients during conventional radiography X-ray examinations and the technical condition of the equipment used for this purpose.

BACKGROUND: X-ray examination is associated with patient exposure to ionizing radiation. Dose values depend on the type of medical procedure used, the X-ray unit technical condition and exposure conditions selected. The aim of this study was to determine the dose value received by patients during certain conventional radiography X-ray examinations and to assess the technical condition of medical equipment used for this purpose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered the total number of 118 conventional diagnostic X-ray units located in the Masovian Voivodeship. The methodology used to assess the conventional diagnostic X-ray unit technical condition and the measurement of the radiation dose rate received by patients are based on test procedures developed by the Department of Radiation Protection and Radiobiology of the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene (Warszawa, Poland) accredited for compliance with PN-EN 17025 standard by the Polish Centre for Accreditation. RESULTS: It was found that 84.7% of X-ray units fully meet the criteria set out in the Polish legislation regarding the safe use of ionizing radiation in medicine, while 15.3% of the units do not meet some of them. The broadest dose value range was recorded for adult patients. Particularly, during lateral (LATl) lumbar spine radiography the recorded entrance surface dose (ESD) values ranged from 283.5 to 7827 µGy (mean: 2183.3 µGy). CONCLUSIONS: It is absolutely necessary to constantly monitor the technical condition of all X-ray units, because it affects population exposure to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, it is essential to raise radiographers' awareness of the effects that ionizing radiation exposure can have on the human body.

Comparison of the effects of bisphenol A alone and in a combination with X-irradiation on sperm count and quality in male adult and pubescent mice.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is employed in the manufacturing of epoxy, polyester-styrene, and polycarbonate resins, which are used for the production of baby and water bottles and reusable containers, food and beverage packing, dental fillings and sealants. The study was designed to examine the effects of 8-week exposure (a full cycle of spermatogenesis) to BPA alone and in a combination with X-irradiation on the reproductive organs and germ cells of adult and pubescent male mice. Pzh:Sfis male mice were exposed to BPA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) or X-rays (0.05 Gy) or to a combination of both (0.05 Gy + 5 mg/kg bw BPA). The following parameters were examined: sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and DNA damage in male gametes. Both BPA and X-rays alone diminished sperm quality. BPA exposure significantly reduced sperm count in pubescent males compared to adult mice, with degenerative changes detected in seminiferous epithelium. This may suggest a higher susceptibility of germ cells of younger males to BPA action. Combined BPA with X-ray treatment enhanced the harmful effect induced by BPA alone in male germ cells of adult males, whereas low-dose irradiation showed sometimes protective or additive effects in pubescent mice.

Determining the current status and potential of nuclear medicine in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Through its use of ionising radiation, the field of nuclear medicine forms a unique and significant part of medical diagnostics and patient treatment. Objectives. To assess the operational potential of nuclear medicine in Poland based on existing database/literature sources together with conducting a survey on the relevant healthcare facilities available, staffing, expertise and performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To gather all available literature data on the medical use of ionising radiation in Poland several data bases were used, since currently, there are no single statistical data base devoted to this issue. Data on radiation hygiene were thus collected from the Statistical Bulletin of the Ministry of Health, Annual reports from the National Atomic Energy Agency and Central Statistics Office. Additionally, national and provincial reports were used, as well as those received from the European Society of Nuclear Medicine. RESULTS: At present, the Public Healthcare system in Poland has 55 nuclear medicine departmental facilities operating and 8 that are private/non-public. These are staffed by 252 doctors, of whom 151 are qualified as nuclear medicine specialists; constituting one specialist per 300,000 inhabitants. In addition, 170 highly qualified staff (biologists, chemists, physicists, electronics engineers and IT specialists) provide indispensable scientific/operational support and are vital for the development of nuclear medicine departments. They are mainly responsible for ensuring that all equipment functions effectively and for developing new diagnostic techniques, together with new radiopharmaceuticals. Furthermore, there are approximately 500 other staff at intermediate-level also involved in nuclear medicine departments, such as technicians, nurses and support workers. The survey demonstrated an average of 22 persons employed per nuclear medicine department. For all institutions, it is estimated that there are 127 gamma cameras, 10 PET/CT scanners and 16 hybrid SPECT/CT systems operating. In 2000, approximately 117,435 diagnostic procedures were performed, compared to 156,214 in 2008 and with the current number of around 170,000; up to 38% were simple thyroid scintigraphies, 25% were bone scans, 11% heart scintigraphies and 10% kidney scans. CONCLUSIONS: The number of diagnostic radioisotopic procedures in Poland are strongly expected to increase by 300% during the next 5-6 years. To meet this rise, additional equipment will thus be necessary, which includes having an extra 100 SPECT/CT gamma cameras.

The dose received by patients during dental X-ray examination and the technical condition of radiological equipment.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of X-ray dental examination is associated with the patients exposure to ionizing radation. The size of the exposure depends on the type of medical procedure, the technical condition of the X-ray unit and selected exposure conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the dose received by patients during dental X-ray examination and the assessment of the technical condition of medical equipment, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total number of 79 dental X-ray units located in the region of Mazovia. The test methods for the assessment of the technical condition of dental X-ray units and measurement of radiation dose received by patients were based on the procedures elaborated in the Department of Radiation Hygiene and Radiobiology in the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene (Warszawa, Poland) accredited for the certification of compliance with PN-EN 17025. RESULTS: The research found that 69.6% fully meets the criteria set out in the Polish legislation regarding the safe use of ionizing radiation in medicine, while 30.4% did not meet some of them. A tenfold difference in the size of the dose received by patients during dental X-ray examinations was discovered. For example, during a radiography of the canine teeth of a child, the recorded entrance surface dose (ESD) ranged from 72.8 to 2430 microGy with the average value of 689.1 microGy. Cases where the dose reference level defined in Polish legislation of 5 mGy was exceeded were also found. CONCKUSIONS: It is essential to constantly monitor the situation regarding the technical condition of X-ray units which affects the size of the population's exposure to ionizing radiation as well as raising dentists' awareness about the effects of X-rays on the human body.

Assessment of exposure of workers to ionizing radiation from radioiodine and technetium in nuclear medicine departmental facilities.

BACKGROUND: Due to its use of ionising radiation, the field of nuclear medicine is a unique and significant part of medical diagnostics and patient treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the internal exposure of nuclear medicine employees to radioiodine 131I and technetium 99mTc as well as to assess the external exposure doses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The radioiodine 131I and technetium 99mTc contents in the thyroid of staff members (about 100 persons) dealing with these radionuclides have been measured in four departments of nuclear medicine. The measurements were conducted with a portable detection unit for in situ measurements of radioiodine and technetium. High sensitivity environmental thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were used to measure the external exposure dose. RESULTS: The average values and ranges of radioiodine 131I activity measured in the thyroids of all of the medical units' employees were: 83 Bq (range: 70-250 Bq), 280 Bq (range: 70-4000 Bq), 275 Bq (range: 70-1000 Bq) for technical staff, nuclear medicine staff and hospital services staff, respectively. The mean value of technetium 99mTc content in the thyroids of nuclear medicine staff was approximately 1500 Bq (range: 50--1800 Bq). External exposure dose rates were in the range of 0.5-10 microGy/h. CONCLUSIONS: The calculated average effective dose for particular person caused by the inhalation of radioiodine 131I is below 5% of 20 mSv/year (occupational exposure limit).

Two generation reproductive and developmental toxicity following subchronic exposure of pubescent male mice to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is widely present in the human environment. The study aimed at the investigation of potential genotoxic effects induced by subchronic exposure to DEHP in germ cells of male mice in the first period of puberty, and to check if the transmission of mutation to the next generation via the sperm is possible. 8-weeks exposure to 2,000 mg/kg and 8,000 mg/kg of DEHP diminished sperm count and quality, leading to a reduced percentage of pregnant females mated to exposed males. A slight increase in the frequency of prenatal deaths and dominant lethal mutations, as well as a significantly increased percentage of abnormal skeletons among the F1 offspring of males exposed to 8,000 mg/kg of DEHP, were observed. Exposure of the fathers did not cause a delay in the postnatal development of the offspring, except for fur development in the group of 8,000 mg/kg of DEHP. Gametes of male offspring of exposed fathers showed reduced motility. The results may suggest that diminished spermaozoa quality induced by DEHP may be coincidental with mutations leading to intrauterine deaths and skeletal abnormalities in the offspring.

Developmental toxicity in mice following paternal exposure to Di-N-butyl-phthalate (DBP).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of paternal Di-N-butyl-phthalate (DBP) exposure pre- and postnatally on F1 generation offspring, and prenatally on F2 generation offspring. METHODS: Male mice were exposed to either 500 mg/kg or 2 000 mg/kg of DBP for 8 weeks, and mated with non-exposed females. Three-quarters of the females were sacrificed a day prior to parturition, and examined for the number of living and dead implantations, and incidence of gross malformations. Pups from the remaining females were assessed for developmental markers, growth parameters, as well as sperm quantity and quality. RESULTS: There were no changes in the fertility of parents and in intrauterine development of the offspring. Pups of DBP-exposed males demonstrated growth-retardation. Following paternal exposure to 500 mg/kg bw of DBP, there were almost twice the number of males than females born in the F1 generation. F1 generation females had a 2.5-day delay in vaginal opening. Paternal exposure to 2 000 mg/kg bw of DBP increased the incidence of sperm head malformations in F1 generation males; however, there were no changes in the fertility and viability of foetuses in the F2 generation. CONCLUSION: Paternal DBP exposure may disturb the sex ratio of the offspring, delay female sexual maturation, and deteriorate the sperm quality of F1 generation males.

[Natural radioactivity of potassium 40K in curative and natural mineral waters and dose estimation]. / Promieniotwórczosc naturalna potasu 40K w wodach leczniczych i naturalnych wodach mineralnych oraz ocena dawek.

Natural mineral and curative waters often characterize elevated level of mineral components. If the mineralization grows, the concentration natural radionuclides, which are one population's exposure sources on ionizing radiation, also grows. The main purposes work were: (1) determine the concentration isotope potassium 40K in samples of water, (2) calculate effective doses caused by intake of water with potassium 40K, (3)- explore correlation between potassium 40K concentration and total dissolved solids (TDS). The concentration radioisotope 40K in analysed samples determined by means of gamma spectrometry. Received concentrations have values from the interval 0.65 to 28.42 Bq/dm3. Measured values compared to values calculated from physico-chemical analyses composition of water, which amounted from 0.07 to 22.87 Bq/dm3. The calculated effective dose resulting from intake water with potassium 40K, concentration 2.26 Bq/dm3 equaled 294 nSv by treatment and caused by inhalation water with concentration 40K 1.45 Bq/dm3 reached value 9 nSv by treatment.

[Occurrence of radon 222Rn in curative waters]. / Wystepowanie radonu 222Rn w wodach leczniczych.

Radon is one of the best known human carcinogens. Natural radon (222Rn) is formed by decay of uranium (238U), directly of radium (226Ra). The aim of this study was to determine the activity concentration of radon in curative waters in Poland. The measurements were performed using alpha and beta liquid scintillation method Over 220 water samples from Polish spas have been analyzed. Arithmetic mean of radon concentration for curative waters was found to be 14.51 Bq/m3 within the range between 0.90 Bq/m3 to 193.10 Bq/m3. The average concentrations of radon-222 were ten times higher in water from slaskie and dolnoslaskie voivodeship than other voivodeships. In two sampls: water from intake J-300 in Jedlina Zdrój (116.1 Bq/dm3) and intake Marta in Szczawno Zdrój (193.1 Bq/dm3) the level of radon 74 Bq/dm3 has been reached and those samples could be classified as radon water. There are no limits for the radon concentration levels in curative waters. There are only recommendation of the Commission of the European Communities 2001/928/Euratom on the protection of the public against exposure to radon in drinking water supplies (100 Bq/l).

[Assessment of mammographic units in Poland in the view of current requirements of radiation protection regulations]. / Ocena aparatów mammograficznych w Polsce pod katem spelnienia wymagan aktualnych przepisów ochrony radiologicznej.

The aim of mammography examination is to discover as soon as possible any structural changes in a breast tissue. Every X-ray examination exposure the patient to the radiation as it takes place in mamnography images might be a cause of cancer. In this publication the dynamics growth of mammnography units number in Poland in years 1995,1997 and 2002 has been analyzed. The distribution of mammography units in Poland has been examined. The places of mammography units exploitation in regard to the type of health service institution has been determined. In this publication the manufacturers and the age of mammography units as a prerequisite to determine whether the specified mammography unit complies with the actual requirements in radiation protection regulations have been taken into consideration. The mammography laboratory equipment for providing quality control and the method of developing X-ray films has been also analyzed. It has been ascertained that about 25 % of mammography units do not comply with current technical requirements and they should be withdrawn from exploitation. However, it should be pointed out that there were only 554 mammography units in Poland at the end of year 2002. Their unequal distribution do not provide satisfactory availability to examinations for patients. As a result of this, the principal method of withdrawing them from exploitation should be replacing the time-worn the X-ray apparatuses with the new ones.

[Radon-222 in drinking water of Karkonoskie Plateau]. / Radon 222Rn w wodzie do picia z terenu pogórza karkonoskiego.

Radon-222 concentration in surface water, wells water and tap water in the main towns and villages which are located in area of Karkonoskie Plateau has been quantitative determined. The measurements were performed using the alpha liquid scintillation counting method. Majority of waterworks in Karkonoskie Plateau is supplied with the ground water in which the radon concentration is high from 87.5 Bq/l to 818.1 Bq/l. The waterworks in Karpacz are supplied with the surface water, which main characteristic is low radon concentration (below 10 Bq/l) and with the ground water have a high radon concentration (to 541 Bq/l). Radon-222 concentration in water of individual wells was similar to concentration in the ground water.

[Radon 222Rn in drinking water of Izera Plateau]. / Radon 222Rn w wodzie do picia z terenu Pogórza Izerskiego.

Radon-222 concentration in surface water, wells water and tap water in the main towns and villages which are located in area of Izera Plateau has been quantitative determined. The measurements were performed using the alpha liquid scintillation counting method. The main waterworks in Szklarska Poreba is supplied with the surface water in which the radon concentration is low: from 1.23 Bq/l to 4.32 Bq/l. Waterworks "Huta Julia" is supplied with the ground water have a high radon concentration: from 294.4 Bq/l to 319.5 Bq/l. Majority of waterworks in Izera Plateau is supplied with the ground water in which the radon concentration is high: from 113.3 Bq/l to 464.5 Bq/l. The appropriate mean value for water of individual wells was 253.0 Bq/l, within the range from 25.8 Bq/l to 1095.1 Bq/l.