Effect of prolonged radiation exposure on the thyroid gland of residents living in 60Co-contaminated rebar buildings.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate prolonged low dose-rate gamma-exposure effects on the thyroid glands of residents living in 60Co-contaminated steel buildings.


METHODS
Physical examination and ultrasonography of the thyroid, determination of thyroid function and anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies were performed for 1346 residents. Ultrasound-guided aspiration cytology was done for thyroid nodules. The study subjects were stratified by age at examination (< or = 15 and > 15 years), sex and exposure dose to the body. Dose-response data on the prevalence of various thyroid diseases were analysed by the multiple logistic regression analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of simple goitre was related to the exposure with a dose-response relationship for males of all ages, and for females of < or = 15 years. There was a biological gradient of thyroid cyst prevalence with the increase in exposure dose for females of all ages. The prevalence of elevated serum tri-iodothyronine level showed a dose-response relationship for males of < or = 15 years. A significant increase in thyroid abnormalities with dose was observed for males of all ages, and for females of < or = 15 years.
Chang
T C
TC
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan. tcchang1@ms10.hinet.net
Chen
W L
WL
Chang
W P
WP
Chen
C J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002028:Building Codes; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000633:toxicity*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011830:Radiation Effects; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes