X-radiation has been proved to be carcinogenic in different animals. This radiation has been found to induce genetic defects and tumors in various tissues26). The first cases of leukemia were reported in 1911 in radiation workers27). It has been reported that skin cancer and leukemia in radiology technicians and their occurrence rates increased with increasing service duration28). The present study also showed a signifi- cant increase in DNA damage with increasing service duration of radiology personnel, which may lead to the most important initiating step in the development of cancers and genetic diseases.
Exposure to X-rays may cause deterministic and stochastic effects in living organisms and a lead apron can be used to protect personnel from this radia- tion29). The findings of this study indicated a signifi- cant decrease in DNA damage resulting from use of protective lead aprons by the radiology personnel. However, a lead apron could not ensure full protection against DNA damage. This may be due to improper use and handling of the aprons by the technicians. It has been reported that the quality of aprons and improper storage and use can decrease their protection efficiency/level and make them more radioparent than the defined limit. This may be the reason why signif- icant DNA damage was still observed in the radiation technicians who used lead operon as compared with the control group.