Who Is Most Sensitive to Thyroid Radiation — and How Do You Protect It?

The thyroid gland is one of the most radiation-sensitive organs in the human body. For healthcare professionals who work around X-ray, C-arm, and fluoroscopy equipment — and for patients who undergo imaging — understanding thyroid risk and protection is essential for long-term safety. Radiation exposure is unavoidable in modern medical imaging, but not everyone is affected the same way. Some people are far more vulnerable than others. Knowing who is most at risk — and how to protect them — helps facilities build safer radiation programs and protect their teams.

Why the Thyroid Is So Sensitive to Radiation

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that regulates metabolism, growth, and hormone production. Its cells are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, which can damage DNA and trigger long-term health effects such as thyroid disease or cancer. Because of its location in the neck — close to many radiation beams used in imaging — the thyroid is especially vulnerable to scatter radiation during procedures like fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, and surgery guided by C-arm systems.

Who Is Most Sensitive to Thyroid Radiation?

Certain groups face significantly higher risk when exposed to radiation.

Children and Young Adults

The younger a person is, the more sensitive their thyroid tissue is. Growing cells divide rapidly, making them more vulnerable to radiation-induced damage. Exposure early in life can increase thyroid disease risk for decades.

Medical Professionals with Occupational Exposure

Radiologists, technologists, surgeons, and interventional specialists may be exposed to low-dose radiation daily for years. Long-term occupational exposure significantly increases the risk of thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and cancer.

People with Genetic or Thyroid Conditions

Individuals with a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune disorders are more susceptible to radiation triggering thyroid problems. Even routine imaging can have a greater effect on predisposed individuals.

Women

Some studies suggest women may be more sensitive to radiation than men, particularly for thyroid-related effects. While research continues, it reinforces the importance of proper shielding.

Why Occupational Exposure Is a Major Risk

Procedures such as fluoroscopy, C-arm-guided surgery, and interventional cardiology create high levels of scatter radiation. Clinicians often work close to the radiation source for extended periods, placing the thyroid directly in the exposure zone.

Thyroid exposure increases with:

• Time spent near the beam

• Proximity to the patient

• Frequency of procedures

Without shielding, radiation accumulates over years and creates measurable long-term risk.

How Radiation Exposure Is Reduced

Radiation safety follows three core principles:

Time – Minimize how long you are exposed
Distance – Stay as far from the source as possible
Shielding – Use protective equipment to block scatter radiation

For the thyroid, shielding is the most effective and practical protection.

How Effective Are Thyroid Shields?

A properly fitted thyroid collar dramatically reduces radiation reaching the neck. Research consistently shows thyroid shields reduce radiation dose by several times compared to no protection. In high-dose environments such as fluoroscopy, thicker thyroid shields (around 0.5 mm lead-equivalent) provide optimal protection. Lighter shields may be sufficient for lower-dose imaging such as routine X-rays, but shielding is still recommended because small doses add up over time. Fit matters just as much as thickness. A snug collar that wraps fully around the neck provides far better protection than one worn loosely.

How Thick Should Thyroid and Lead Protection Be?

For most clinical environments:

• Thyroid collars: 0.25–0.5 mm lead-equivalent for X-ray, and 0.5 mm for fluoroscopy and interventional procedures

• Lead aprons: 0.5 mm lead-equivalent provides up to 99% attenuation of scatter radiation

Facilities should always consult their radiation safety officer to ensure proper protection levels for each procedure and verify state regulations regarding protection as state laws vary.

Why Protective Garments Must Be Maintained

Even the best protective equipment fails if it isn’t cared for properly. Over time, lead garments can develop:

• Cracks

• Holes

• Creases in the shielding layer

These defects can grow quickly and significantly reduce protection. Protective garments also collect bacteria, fungi, and viruses through daily use. Studies have found contamination on the majority of uncleaned lead aprons and thyroid shields — including organisms that cause serious infections.

That’s why facilities should:

• Inspect lead garments annually

• Store them properly on racks

• Clean and disinfect them regularly

• Replace damaged or worn equipment

Why Thyroid Protection Matters

Even low-dose imaging contributes to cumulative radiation exposure. A single chest X-ray delivers a small amount of radiation — but when multiplied across years of daily imaging, that dose becomes significant.

Radiation exposure is linked to:

• Thyroid cancer

• Hyperthyroidism

• Thyroid nodules and disease

Protecting What Matters Most

The thyroid is one of the most vulnerable organs in medical imaging environments — but it is also one of the easiest to protect. By using properly fitted thyroid collars, maintaining protective garments, and following radiation safety best practices, facilities can protect their teams today while preventing serious health risks in the future.

At Z&Z Medical, radiation protection isn’t optional — it’s a commitment to long-term safety, compliance, and confidence. Have a question?  Email us at info@zzmedical.com

My New Year’s resolution:
✔ Drink more water
✔ Lose holiday weight
✔ Never lose my X-ray markers again!

What Is a Thyroid Collar?

Thyroid collars play a vital role in radiation safety during medical imaging and interventional procedures. Designed to protect one of the body’s most radiation-sensitive organs, thyroid collars are essential for radiology professionals, physicians, surgeons, and patients who are exposed to diagnostic or interventional radiation. Understanding what a thyroid collar is, how it works, and how to use and maintain it properly is key to ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in today’s imaging environments.

Why Is It Important?

A thyroid collar—sometimes called a thyroid shield—is a protective garment made with lead or lead-equivalent materials. It is worn around the neck to shield the thyroid gland from ionizing radiation and scatter during imaging procedures such as X-ray, fluoroscopy, and CT-guided exams. The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to radiation exposure. Even relatively low doses can increase the risk of long-term thyroid disorders, including cancer. Because of this sensitivity, radiation safety guidelines strongly emphasize protecting the neck whenever radiation exposure is possible. A properly worn thyroid collar helps block stray radiation, significantly reducing the dose received by the thyroid and supporting safe working conditions for staff and patients alike.

How Is a Thyroid Collar Used?

Thyroid collars are worn snugly around the neck and are usually secured with Velcro or adjustable fasteners. They are most often used together with lead aprons or vests to provide full upper-body radiation protection. For healthcare professionals, thyroid collars are part of standard personal protective equipment when working in areas where radiation exposure is frequent or prolonged. For patients, thyroid collars provide an extra layer of protection during imaging of the head, neck, or chest when shielding does not interfere with diagnostic quality or body part being imaged.

Best Practices for Use

• Proper fit: The collar should sit comfortably around the neck without being tight or restrictive.

• Correct positioning: It should cover the thyroid area while staying out of the imaging field. (for patients)

• Use with other shielding: Thyroid collars should always be used in combination with lead aprons or other protective garments.

Are Thyroid Collars Safe?

Yes. Thyroid collars are designed specifically to reduce radiation exposure while remaining comfortable and easy to wear. When fitted properly, they provide effective shielding without interfering with movement or workflow. Research shows that thyroid shielding can dramatically reduce radiation dose to the neck, helping limit cumulative exposure over time. For staff who work around radiation daily, this protection is especially important.

How Should Thyroid Collars Be Cleaned?

Because thyroid collars are worn close to the skin and frequently shared between users, proper cleaning and disinfection are essential for infection control. Over time, protective garments can collect bacteria, germs, and bodily fluids. Routine cleaning helps protect both staff and patients while also extending the life of the garment.

Recommended Cleaning Steps

1. Use approved disinfectant wipes that are safe for radiation protection garments.

2. Wipe the entire surface of the collar, including seams and edges.

3. Allow to dry completely by hanging or laying flat without creases.

4. Clean after each use to prevent buildup of bacteria and contaminants.

5. Schedule periodic deep cleaning as part of a comprehensive radiation safety program.

Proper maintenance helps ensure thyroid collars remain hygienic, effective, and compliant with infection control standards.

Can You Wear a Thyroid Collar Someone Else Used?

Yes — as long as it has been properly cleaned and disinfected. In medical environments, shared protective equipment is common, but strict hygiene protocols must be followed between uses. Facilities should have clear procedures for disinfecting radiation protection garments, and staff should never wear a collar that has not been cleaned according to policy.

Choosing the Right Thyroid Collar

Not all thyroid collars are the same. When selecting a thyroid collar, it is important to consider:

• Proper fit and adjustability

• Lead or lead-equivalent protection level

• Comfort and style

• Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Modern lead-equivalent materials provide excellent radiation protection while being lighter and more comfortable than traditional lead.

Why Z&Z Medical Is Your Radiation Protection Partner

At Z&Z Medical, radiation protection is more than a product — it’s a system. We work with leading manufacturers to provide high-quality thyroid collars and full radiation protection solutions designed for real-world clinical use.

Our team helps facilities select the right garments for their staff, patient population, and workflow so they can stay compliant, safe, and confident.

Protect What Matters Most

The thyroid is one of the most radiation-sensitive organs in the body. A properly fitted, well-maintained thyroid collar is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce unnecessary exposure. Whether you are protecting staff or patients, investing in quality radiation protection helps ensure safety today — and for years to come.

If you need thyroid collars or complete radiation protection solutions, Z&Z Medical is here to help. Email us at info@zzzmedical.com

Radiation protection is not something you can afford to guess about — especially when it comes to lead aprons. Whether you manage a small imaging center or a multi-room hospital department, your lead apron inventory plays a critical role in protecting your staff, your patients, and your compliance standing.

Yet in many facilities, lead aprons are treated as “set it and forget it” items — hung on a rack, used daily, and rarely reviewed until something goes wrong.

A radiation protection audit can help you answer one very important question:

Is your lead apron inventory actually doing its job?

What Does “Up to Code” Really Mean?

Being “up to code” means more than simply having lead aprons on the wall. Regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies expect facilities to:

• Maintain proper lead equivalency for each apron

• Inspect aprons for cracks, tears, and shielding breakdown

• Remove and replace damaged or non-compliant aprons

• Keep documentation of inspections and testing

• Provide proper sizing and coverage for staff

Even small defects — invisible from the outside — can significantly reduce radiation protection.

Why Lead Aprons Fail Over Time

Lead aprons are exposed to constant bending, folding, hanging, and repeated use. Over time this causes:

• Cracking of the lead core

• Breakdown of seams and overlaps

• Weight shifts that leave areas unprotected

• Wear that compromises shielding

Without regular inspection, many facilities are unknowingly relying on aprons that no longer provide full protection.

What Should Be Part of a Radiation Protection Audit?

A proper audit looks at more than just quantity. It evaluates quality, condition, and compliance. Key elements include:

• Visual and fluoroscopic apron inspection

• Verification of lead equivalency levels

• Coverage for different body types and roles

• Proper storage and handling practices

• Replacement schedules for aging inventory

This is where expertise matters.

Why Facilities Turn to Z&Z Medical

Radiation protection isn’t just one product — it’s a system.
At Z&Z Medical, we help facilities take the guesswork out of compliance by offering:

• High-quality lead aprons, vests, skirts, and accessories

• Inspection-ready products that meet regulatory standards

• Guidance on proper coverage, sizing, and configuration

• Support for building and maintaining compliant inventories

We don’t just sell radiation protection — we help you build a program that stands up to audits, protects your team, and keeps your department running smoothly.

Start the Year with Confidence

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to take stock of what you have — and what you may be missing. A radiation protection audit isn’t about finding problems; it’s about making sure your people are protected and your department is prepared.

If you’re not sure where your lead apron inventory stands, Z&Z Medical is here to help.

Because when it comes to radiation safety, compliance is not optional — and protection is everything