Which of the following professional (s) are more likely to run the risk of a permanent change in their cell’s DNA ? I. Researchers using carbon-14 isotope II. X-ray technician III. Coal miner IV. Dyer and Painter Select the correct answer by using the codes given below :

The correct answer is Option 3 (I, II and IV). This selection identifies professionals exposed to mutagenic agents capable of causing permanent DNA alterations.

• I. Researchers using Carbon-14: Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope that undergoes beta decay. Internal exposure or inhalation can lead to ionization within cells, potentially breaking chemical bonds in DNA.
• II. X-ray Technicians: They deal with ionizing radiation (X-rays) daily. High-energy photons can directly damage DNA strands or create free radicals that cause mutations, posing a significant occupational risk.
• IV. Dyers and Painters: These professionals are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and aromatic amines (like benzidine). These chemicals are potent carcinogens and mutagens that chemically react with DNA bases.

Coal miners (III) are primarily at risk for respiratory diseases like Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) due to physical dust accumulation, which is not fundamentally characterized as a primary driver of direct cellular DNA mutation compared to the radioactive and chemical triggers in the other categories.