Research Article

The Effects of Radiation Exposure on Thyroid Function: A Clinical Study

Volume: 16 Number: 3 July 1, 2025
EN

The Effects of Radiation Exposure on Thyroid Function: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of occupational radiation exposure on thyroid function among healthcare workers exposed to radioactive iodine-131 and X-rays. Method: A retrospective study of 101 participants divided into three groups: nuclear medicine workers (radioactive iodine-131 exposure), radiology workers (X-ray exposure), and controls. Thyroid hormone levels and ultrasonography results were analyzed. The mean duration of occupational exposure was approximately 10 years. Results: Nuclear medicine workers showed elevated TSH levels (30% with subclinical hypothyroidism), while radiology workers exhibited reduced thyroid volume. Controls demonstrated no thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: Occupational radiation exposure, especially to iodine-131, poses significant risks to thyroid health, underscoring the need for stringent radiation safety and regular monitoring. Keywords: Radiation exposure, thyroid function, nuclear medicine, hypothyroidism, X-rays.

Keywords

References

  1. 1. Kronenberg, H., & Melmed, S. (2018). Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Elsevier.
  2. 2. Smith, A., & Brown, C. (2021). Radiation Effects on Thyroid Function. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, 45(4), 1023-1028.
  3. 3. Williams, C., et al. (2022). The Impact of Iodine-131 on Thyroid Health in Nuclear Medicine Workers. Thyroid Journal, 32(3), 450-456.
  4. 4. Kovacs, L., & Salgado, M. (2020). Occupational Radiation Exposure and Thyroid Disorders. Radiology Reports, 61(7), 389-394.
  5. 5. Roncka, B., et al. (2021). Occupational radiation exposure and risk of thyroid dysfunction: A meta-analysis. Radiation Research, 195(4), 367-374.
  6. 6. Maruchi, N., et al. (2021). Long-term Thyroid Effects of Radioactive Iodine Exposure. International Journal of Radiation Biology, 96(8), 750-757.
  7. 7. Sohn, K., et al. (2019). X-Ray Exposure and Thyroid Dysfunction. Endocrine Journal, 66(9), 1052-1057.
  8. 8. Carter, D. (2019). Radiation Safety in Healthcare Workers. Clinical Safety, 54(2), 223-229.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Primary Health Care , Health Care Administration , Health Services and Systems (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

June 18, 2025

Publication Date

July 1, 2025

Submission Date

January 17, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 14, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 3

EndNote
Özsaray MF, Özsaray B, Şimşek T, Cantürk Z (July 1, 2025) The Effects of Radiation Exposure on Thyroid Function: A Clinical Study. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 16 3 344–351.