Radioactive iodine, particularly the isotope Iodine-131 (I-131), is considered one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants associated with nuclear activities. This isotope is usually produced from nuclear tests, nuclear reactor accidents, or from waste generated by medical and therapeutic uses such as the treatment of thyroid diseases.<br /><br />Sources of contamination<br /><br />Nuclear accidents (such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters).<br /><br />Medical waste resulting from the use of radioactive iodine in diagnosis and treatment.<br /><br />Nuclear tests and explosions.<br /><br />Mechanism of transmission<br />Radioactive iodine spreads in the air after nuclear accidents, then settles on soil and water, from which it enters the food chain, especially through milk and vegetables. Once it enters the human body, it accumulates mainly in the thyroid gland, increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.<br /><br />Health effects<br /><br />Short-term: thyroid irritation, hormonal disorders.<br /><br />Long-term: increased likelihood of thyroid cancer, especially among children and young people.<br /><br />Preventive measures<br /><br />Reducing direct exposure through rapid evacuation from contaminated areas.<br /><br />Administering stable (non-radioactive) iodine to populations at risk, as it saturates the thyroid gland and prevents absorption of radioactive iodine.<br /><br />Safe disposal of medical and industrial radioactive waste.<br /><br />🔹 Conclusion: Contamination with radioactive iodine is a serious environmental and health issue associated with nuclear activities. It directly affects the thyroid gland and increases cancer risks. Protection requires rapid preventive measures and the safe handling of radioactive waste.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq"<br/><br/><a href=https://uomus.edu.iq/Default.aspx target=_blank>al-mustaqbal University Website</a>