The impact of long-term low-dose ionizing radiation on human health: risks and protective measures

Purpose: With the widespread application of ionizing radiation in medicine and other fields, the health impacts of long-term occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on the human body have garnered growing attention. Despite inconsistencies in the findings across various studies, the effects of LDIR on human health are undeniable. There is an urgent need to comprehensively examine the impacts of LDIR on the entire human health system, clearly delineate the key aspects of occupational protection, optimize the working environment, and raise the awareness of self-protection among workers exposed to ionizing radiation. Conclusion: By synthesizing existing research findings on LDIR, we summarized its effects on the human immune, hematopoietic, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, reproductive, respiratory, and urinary systems. Within the immune system, the thyroid gland is the organ most susceptible to LDIR-induced damage. Sufficient protective measures should be implemented regardless of the specific work setting. Additionally, the adverse impacts of LDIR on the hematopoietic and reproductive systems are particularly noteworthy and cannot be overlooked.