BACKGROUND: Uranium mining and processing are an ancient occupation, recognized 
as being grueling and accountable for injury and disease. Uranium (U) is a 
radioactive heavy metal used in many industrial applications. It increases the 
micronuclei frequencies as well as chromosomal aberration and sister chromatid 
exchange in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Granzyme B and perforin are stored 
inside the leukocytes in secretory granules. These proteins are released outside 
the cells by a cell-to-cell contact under specific conditions for inducing 
apoptosis. So, this study investigated the potential health hazards with 
prominence on the biological effects of radiation exposure.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic research was conducted on Egyptian male 
mining field workers. Leucocytes' genotoxicity was evaluated using DNA 
fragmentation assay and comet assay. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis of 
Granzyme B protein was done.
RESULTS: A significant increase in dead cells after dual acridine 
orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent staining in radiation-exposed groups 
was noticed compared to control groups. Moreover, a significant increase in the 
fragmented DNA was evident in exposed groups relative to the control one. 
Granzyme B protein levels showed a significant increase concerning control.
CONCLUSION: A wide variety of adverse human health risks are considered a 
potential risk to Egyptian uranium miners. For employers working in both mining 
and processing fields, the most common molecular shift highlighted was the 
leucocyte damage in blood samples. To preserve the health of all employees, 
health education and administration of effective hazard management procedures 
are necessary.