pdf Assess Uranium Concentration Levels in Blood Samples of Iraqi Personnel at the Tuwaitha Nuclear Site

Lina S.Al-Jameel

Abstract

Exposure to uranium within occupational settings or surrounding environments has the potential to cause cellular damage and elevate the risk of carcinogenesis. This study aimed to assess the level of uranium toxicity in the blood and the possibility of health impact occurring on the personnel at The Tuwaitha site, which was previously utilized for nuclear activity and may contain a considerable amount of radioactive waste. Personnel at this facility are at risk of pollution due to the highly polluted environment of uranium. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPPS software application .Thirty-six blood samples were taken from personnel at The Tuwaitha site, categorized in to two distinct cohorts: 8 personnel  lacking protective measures and 28 personnel utilizing protective equipment, along- side 30 control subjects who had no prior occupational exposure to The Tuwaitha nuclear facility .The CR-39 track  detector has been utilized to evaluate the concentration of uranium in blood samples by depositing a droplet of blood on the detectors ,followed irradiation of CR-39 detectors  with a neutron source .The findings showed elevated uranium concentrations in personnel lacking protective measures compared to those with protective measures and the control .Furthermore, the results demonstrated a significant correlation between uranium concentrations and the duration of employment. Uranium concentration was found higher in blood samples in personnel than individuals who had never worked at Tuwaitha site, also there is a relation between uranium concentrations and the duration of employment. The study suggests that personnel wear a hazmat suit and also taking oral antioxidants to protect from radiation.