Thyroid gland and vocational exposure to low dose ionizing radiation in health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1071/ejmbs.v3i2.5Keywords:
Radiation, Thyroid, Triiodothyronine, Thyroxine, Healthcare professional, HypothyroidismAbstract
Healthcare workpeople may be exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation for both diagnosis and treatment purposes. In addition, one of the radiation-sensitive organs in humans is the thyroid gland. This study aimed to investigate the changes observed in thyroid structure and functions in healthcare workers exposed to occupational radiation. Radiological imaging procedures are among the leading applications of exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiotherapy, one of the treatment options for radiosensitive tumors, is one of the areas in medicine where ionizing radiation is used. Nuclear medicine, another field of medicine in which ionizing radiation is used, is the largest theranostic field in which radioactive substances are used. The risk of hypothyroidism increases in healthcare workpeople exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation. Additionally, this exposure has been related with an effect on thyroid hormones and an increased likelihood of developing thyroid immune diseases. Additionally, female radiation healthcare workpeople have higher levels of abnormal thyroid nodules, triiodothyronine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone than their male counterparts. In addition, abnormal thyroid nodules, triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels increase with age in people in this occupational group. On the other hand, exposure to low-dose radiation was not associated with the risk of thyroid cancer in these healthcare workers. As a result, occupational exposure to low-dose radiation can cause damage to the thyroid gland, which is a radiation-sensitive organ. In order to prevent health problems in the functions and structure of the thyroid organ, those who are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation should apply personal protection methods as meticulously as possible.
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