Relation between post-Chernobyl low level thyroid irradiation, stable iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders in Lithuania (epidemiological study: 1992-1996)

The volatile radioiodine was detected in Lithuania in the very first day after the Chernobyl accident. Aim of the study was to perform the epidemiological investigation of thyroid disorders among Lithuanian inhabitants and to compare the data with thyroid radioiodine doses and stable iodine deficiency (urinary iodine excreation) results. Thyroid equivalent doses were estimated using the modified ICRP three-compartment cyclic model. These calculations applied Monte Carlo methods and consideration of regional iodine deficiency. The adult thyroid doses range up to about 50 mSv and the infant's and children's doses amounted to 200 mSv. High prevalence of thyroid abnormalities (up to 48%) are attributable to deleterious effect of ionising radiation as well as stable iodine deficiency for geological and socio-economical reasons. These data may be useful for estimating health effects that could develop in the future among Lithuanian inhabitants as a result of stable iodine deficiency and radioiodine exposure following the Chernobyl accident, especially amongst those who were infants at the time of accident. (author)