Radiation is constantly present, even if we are not aware of it. There is a problem that does not only affect nuclear workers. Various places can produce radiation exposure, including home, school, and work.
Therefore, avoiding overexposure to radiation and protecting your thyroid are essential.
Radiation can affect the thyroid, but there are ways to protect it.
So, let’s delve right into it.
Why Is It Important To Protect The Thyroid From Radiation?
The thyroid gland is one of the most important organs in your body. In addition to playing a major role in metabolism, it produces hormones that regulate your metabolism.
The thyroid plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and burning calories more effectively.
It is important to protect the thyroid if it has been exposed to radiation.
Health Effects of Radiation on the Thyroid
Radiation exposure has been proven to affect the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. Although most people are exposed to radiation from natural sources like the sun and the earth’s magnetic field, nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons are also a source of radiation exposure.
Thyroid cancer is the most common form of cancer that affects the thyroid gland. In fact, the thyroid is the only gland in the body that has a known link to cancer. Radiation exposure can lead to thyroid cancer, which can be detected early and treated.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and plays an important role in regulating metabolism, growth and development. It also produces hormones that help regulate the body’s temperature.
Radiation exposure causes the thyroid gland to produce less thyroid hormone, which can lead to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that results in slow metabolism and weight gain.
In addition, radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. This is because the thyroid gland is susceptible to damage from radiation.
How does radiation damage the thyroid?
Through DNA damage, radiation damage to the thyroid disrupts the cell cycle. Cancer may result from these changes.
The thyroid gland is composed of follicular epithelial cells. These cells often divide rapidly. As a result of radiation, the rate at which their cells divide slows down, increasing the risk of cancer in them.
How to Protect Thyroid from Radiation?
Radiation has been linked to various diseases, and most people worry about cancer. Radiation exposure has also been linked to thyroid disease, so it is important to take precautions to prevent thyroid damage.
There are a few ways that you can reduce your risk of developing thyroid problems. One of the easiest is to avoid exposing yourself to radioactive iodine.
Keep Yourself Safe
It is essential to be aware of what is going on around you. In areas where nuclear waste is being produced, you should avoid the area and wear protective clothing such as a mask and gloves.
If you work in an industry where there is a high level of radiation, you should wear protective gear such as a hat, glasses, and a lead apron.
Use a Personal Radiation Monitor
You can buy a radiation monitor to track your exposure. These monitors will alert you when you reach certain levels of radiation.
Many radiation monitors are inexpensive and easy to use. They can help you stay safe and avoid thyroid damage.
Make use of radiation protection devices
There’s a famous cliche, “prevention is better than cure”. Why take the risk of building radiation when you can block it?
As a result, you can block out radiation by using some protective devices. In case of thyroid gland, the best way to block radiation is using a lead free thyroid shield.