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 A because X ray technicians are regularly exposed to ionizing radiation in the form of X rays. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to directly break chemical bonds in DNA molecules, leading to permanent genetic mutations. While the other professionals work with hazardous materials, their risks are different. Researchers using Carbon 14 work with a low energy beta emitter that generally cannot penetrate the outer layer of human skin to reach living cells. Coal miners primarily face respiratory risks like black lung disease from inhaling dust. Dyers and painters are exposed to chemical toxins and carcinogens that may cause cancer or organ damage, but these are typically classified as chemical hazards rather than agents that directly cause immediate, permanent DNA breaks through ionizing radiation in the same specific manner as X rays. Therefore, the X ray technician faces the most direct and well established risk of permanent DNA change through ionizing radiation.