Environmental Contamination by Radioactive Iodine in Southeastern Iran

Background: Although thyroid cancer in the general population accounts for approximately 1% of the total cancer incidence worldwide, exposure to radioiodine increases the risk of thyroid cancer. If plants contaminated with radiation were eaten by sheep and cattle, this radiation could be transferred to humans. In this study, carried out in five regions in southeastern Iran, we measure radioactive contamination by radioiodine-125 in plants, water and soil. Methods: The samples were obtained from areas near the southeastern border of Iran, including the southeastern coast, areas chosen based on population and distance from the border; subsamples were prepared in the laboratory. Radiation levels were measured in the lab by gamma counter. Results: The radioactive contamination in the leaves and new stems of plants was considerable in some of the sampled areas. Conclusion: The danger of transferring dangerously high levels of radioactive contamination from environmental sources is high in this area, thus we emphasize the necessity for greater control with regard to sources of radioiodine , as well as monitoring of food products, including seafood, from this area