Thyrotoxicosis among Hanford, Washington, Downwinders: A Community-Based Health Survey

Abstract

Sixty cases of thyrotoxicosis (including hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, and toxic goiter), an unexpectedly large number compared with general population data, were reported in a voluntary health survey that included a period of approximately 50 yr, with 801 self-defined "Downwinders" who had lived near the Hanford, Washington, nuclear facility. In another self-selected group of medical patients (n = 423) who were examined over the same time period, only 2 cases of thyrotoxicosis were identified. Evidence is presented that suggests that the effects of bias from self-selection likely did not account for the magnitude of the apparent excess of thyrotoxicosis cases in the present study population. The findings are consistent with those of other studies, as well as with the hypothesis of an association of thyrotoxicosis with exposures to radioiodine.

Porous sorbents for the capture of radioactive iodine compounds: a review

“…In contrast, 131 I is a volatile short-lived isotope with a t 1/2 of $8.02 days, which needs to be captured immediately aer being released, as it tends to accumulate and become concentrated in the thyroid gland, which seriously affects human metabolic processes. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] In addition, radioactive iodine is likely to form organic compounds such as methyl iodide (CH 3 I) with hydrocarbons and other volatile organic compounds present in the gas stream. Therefore, there is a strong interest in the nuclear energy community to develop alternative and effective means of capturing and storing these radionuclides.…”

Iodine dissolution mechanisms in high-pressure aluminoborosilicate glasses and their relationship to oxygen speciation

“…5, I is dissolved mostly as I − , regardless of the initial iodine source (i.e. I 2 or I 2 O 5 ), which implies that both eqn (7) and ( 8) are taking place and an oxygen loss should occur.…”

“…15.7 My), 1 has a high-mobility in the environment [2][3][4][5] and is noxious for human health. [6][7][8] Hence, the iodine radioisotope is a major troublesome element that requires an adequate and specic solution for its immobilization. Although 129 I is produced in a small quantity by nuclear activity, we are requested to propose a reliable matrix to immobilize it in a durable way for environmental, societal and health considerations.…”

Recent advances in the removal of radioactive iodine by bismuth-based materials

“…Radioactivity is a huge threat to humans and the environment due to its easy diffusion ( Ojovan and Lee, 2011 ; Mowry et al, 2015 ; Yang et al, 2018 ; Chabauty et al, 2019 ). Among these radioactive elements, iodine compounds attract special attention because the iodine is concentrated in the thyroid, and its higher radioactivity can cause damage to the human body in a short time ( Grossman et al, 1996 ; Goldsmith et al, 1999 ; Grossman et al, 2002 ; 2003 ; Lee et al, 2006 ; Thomas et al, 2009 ; Sava et al, 2013 ). The radioactivity is produced by 129 I, a long-period isotope with a half-life of 1.57 × 10 7 years ( Taylor, 1981 ; Michel et al, 2005 ; Zhang et al, 2011 ; Lin et al, 2019 ), and 131 I, a short-lived isotope with a half-life of approximately 8.02 days ( Thomas et al, 2009 ; Lee et al, 2018 ).…”