Cytogenetic and Clinical Laboratory Investigation of Participants in the Decontamination of Depleted Uranium-Contaminated Terrain in Serbia and Montenegro

Snežana Milačić2, Dubravka Jovičić1, and Radomir Kovačević1

1 Institute of Occupational Medicine and Radiological Protection, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

Corresponding author: Prof. Snežana Milačić, M.D., Ph.D.
    Institute of Occupational Medicine and Radiological Protection
    Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade
    Deligradska 29
    11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
    Telephone: + 381 11 361 87 03
    Fax number: + 381 11 64 36 75
    E-mail address: smilacic@afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.yu

Key words:
Depleted uranium, decontamination, ionizing radiation, chromosomal aberrations

CEJOEM 2002, Vol.8. No.4.: 270–276

Abstract:
Repeated investigations were performed in 11 individuals who had worked four months long on the decontamination of the terrain contaminated by depleted uranium ammunition during the NATO strikes in Montenegro. Thermoluminescent dosimeters did not register increased doses, nor did the urine gamma activity increase. Smears of capillary blood evidenced the presence of toxic granulation and deformation of leukocyte nuclei in two cases and stimulated lymphocytes and virocytes (monocytes) in others. Low-level chromosomal changes were observed in 50% of tested individuals. No significant changes in the blood cell counts where detected.

Received:  19 February 2003
Accepted:  16 May 2003
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