On April 26, 1986, Reactor 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station in Ukraine exploded, releasing radioactive isotopes into the air. The majority of the isotopes that were released and spreading thousands of miles were of the element iodine. As a class, discuss what endocrine glands would be most affected and how it would become apparent in the nearby population.

In the given case, the thyroid gland will be affected the most due to the exposure of the element iodine. For the synthesis of thyroid gland hormone, T3 and T4 iodine is required. As the exposure of the radioactive iodine element is taking place, therefore, it will result in the deterioration of the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine is generally used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.  

However, in normal individuals, the exposure of the radioactive iodine element results in a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones below the normal level due to the destruction of the thyroid cells. The symptoms seen can be neck tenderness, swollen salivary gland, and loss in body weight.