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What happens if someone is exposed to radioactive iodine?

What happens if someone is exposed to radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine can also be unhealthy for your thyroid gland. If too much radioactive iodine enters your body, the radioactive iodine will destroy your thyroid gland so that the gland will stop making hormones. Too much radioactive iodine in your body can also cause thyroid nodules or cancer.

How long is isolation after radioactive iodine?

You should sleep alone for the first 3 to 5 nights after treatment. Avoid personal contact for about 3 to 7 days after treatment. In those first 3 days after therapy, you should stay a safe distance away from others (6 feet away, approximately).

Is radioactive iodine dangerous to others?

WHAT ARE THE RADIATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AFTER TREATMENT WITH I-131 RAI? Although the treatments with 131-I are generally safe, RAI produces radiation so patients must do their best to avoid radiation exposure to others, particularly to pregnant women and young children.

Can I use my cell phone after radioactive iodine?

You will have to stay in your room for at least 1 to 2 hours after your treatment. You can use your cell phone or watch TV to help pass the time. You won’t be able to have visitors during this time. You may not have any side effects from the treatment right after you get it, but you may have side effects later.

Can radioactive iodine cause other cancers?

Patients treated with radioactive iodine also have an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer.

Can you get cancer from radioactive iodine?

Can your thyroid grow back after radioactive iodine?

If you have thyroid cancer and you are treated with radioactive iodine, it may take from several weeks to many months for your body to get rid of any remaining cancer cells. Your thyroid nodule is unlikely to grow after being treated with radioactive iodine.

Does radioactive iodine affect the brain?

While further study is needed, the authors suggest that the radiation from radioactive iodine therapy affect the large arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain thus increasing the risk of a stroke.

What happens to your body when you take radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine is a medicine that you take one time. After you swallow it, it is taken up by your thyroid gland. Depending on the dosage used, the radioactivity in the iodine destroys most or all of the tissue in your thyroid gland, but it does not harm any other parts of your body.

Where can radioiodine be found in the body?

Radioiodine leaves your body primarily through your urine, but very small amounts can be found in your saliva, sweat and bowel movements. Ask your doctor for more information. You also may get more information from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging at www.snmmi.org. How can you reduce radiation exposure to others?

What should a man do while taking radioiodine?

Men should sit on the toilet while urinating to decrease splashing. Use a tissue to wipe up any urine on the toilet bowl and flush twice. Wash your hands and rinse the sink. Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from all people. If possible, you should drive home alone.

Is it safe to travel with radioactive iodine?

There is no evidence that radioactive iodine causes cancer, infertility, or birth defects. If you have had radioactive iodine treatment and you want to travel within a few days after treatment, prepare for any problems you may have at airport security.