Nearly 15 years on, the knock-on effects from the Chernobyl nuclear accident
are still being felt. As it becomes clear that Chernobyl caused more thyroid
tumours among children than expected, the WHO is revising its guidelines on
measures to prevent thyroid cancers after a nuclear leak.
Thyroid cancer may be triggered when the glands absorb radioactive isotopes
of iodine. But this can be prevented by taking tablets containing stable
iodine-127. Following the Chernobyl experience, the WHO says the threshold
radiation dose at which those under 18 years old should take iodine tablets be
reduced from 100 to 10 milligrays.
