Iodine 131, also known as radioiodine, is a radioactive isotope of iodine. As a radioactive element, there are many dangers associated with iodine 131. According to "Exposure of the American People to Iodine-131 from Nevada Nuclear-Bomb Tests: Review of the National Cancer Institute Report and Public Health Implications," iodine 131 holds responsibility for the health repercussions from some of history's greatest disasters, including Chernobyl. However, iodine 131 also has recognized medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Medical Application
Due to its radioactive quality, iodine 131 induces mutations and death in the cells that come in contact with the radioactive element. According to the Radionuclide and Radioisotope Encyclopedia, this makes iodine 131 useful in several medical applications, including the treatment of certain types of cancers. Additionally, doctors commonly use iodine 131 to treat several thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism and Grave's disease. Additionally, medical professionals can use this isotope to diagnose abnormal liver function and urinary tract obstruction.
The Paradox of Dosage
However, the Radionuclide and Radioisotope Encyclopedia states that medical uses of iodine 131 have shown paradoxical results related to dosage and the development of cancer following iodine 131 therapy. In many cases, after the administration of very small doses, patients have experienced high incidences of cancer development in the long term. However, in patients who received larger doses of iodine 131, the rates of cancer were actually much lower. The reason for this paradox has to do with the way the iodine causes mutations in surrounding cells when used in small amounts. Larger amounts of iodine 131 tend to kill the cells, lowering the chance of cancer development in the future.
Medical Trends
This paradox has had a major impact on the way doctors use iodine 131 therapy. According to the Radionuclide and Radioisotope Encyclopedia, doctors now rarely use iodine 131 in small amounts, and never in young children. Additionally, medical professionals tightly control the administration of iodine 131 therapy given the potential health risks involved associated with the radioactivity. Another consideration when using iodine 131 therapy is that the thyroid draws the isotope, potentially exacerbating an existing thyroid condition.
Protecting the Thyroid
The Radionuclide and Radioisotope Encyclopedia explains that the primary way you can protect your thyroid, and the rest of your body, from overexposure to iodine 131 is through the administration of iodine supplements. Iodine supplements function by supplying your body with iodine for the thyroid and tissues to take up, thereby decreasing the proportion of the radioactive iodine present.
References
- "Exposure of the American People to Iodine-131 From Nevada Nuclear-Bomb Tests: Review of the National Cancer Institute Report and Public Health Implications"; Committee on Thyroid Screening Related to I-131 Exposure; 1999
- Radionuclide and Radioisotope Encyclopedia: Cesium-137, Iodine-131, Plutonium, Cobalt, Tritium, Radium, Strontium, Technetium-99, Thorium, Uranium: Radiation Health Effects and Toxicology; 2011
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Iodine
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