Abstract: In order to understand the aberrations of peripheral blood lymphocytes in radiation workers of different occupational exposure types, ages and lengths of service, 1612 radiation workers (radiation group) and 248 non-radiation workers (control group) in Sichuan Province were selected. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured by micro-blood culture method. MetaSystems chromosome analysis system was used to record cell chromosome aberrations. And statistical analysis of chromosome aberration rates was then performed. It indicates that the total chromosome aberration rate of radiation workers was significantly higher than that of the control group. Among the radiation workers, subgroups of nuclear fuel cycle and the industrial application have significantly highernuclear aberration rates than that of the medical application subgroup. The chromosome aberration rate of workers over 40 years old was higher than that of those under 40 years old. As for the length of service, a similar trend was observed, with a boundary of 20 years.This suggest that the chromosomal aberrations of peripheral blood lymphocytes of radiation workers are significantly increased compared with healthy public members. It is necessary to further improve the occupational protection awareness of nuclear fuel cycle and industrial application personnel, and strengthen individual radiation protection.

Key words: Radiation workers, Peripheral blood lymphocytes, Chromosomal aberrations