Research progress in effects of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on thyroid function: a review

Currently, the incidence of thyroid diseases is high around the world and that of thyroid cancer is increasing year by year. Thus, there is an urgent need to take preventive measures. It is reported that exposure to environmental chemicals is a major risk factor for thyroid diseases. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of semi-volatile organic pollutants that persist in environments such as water, atmosphere, and food. PAHs have been shown to be closely related to thyroid dysfunction. This article systematically summarized the toxicological and epidemiological studies about the effects of exposure to PAHs on thyroid function, as well as the potential mechanisms of thyroid function damage induced by PAHs. It is expected to provide a scientific basis for clarifying the hazard of PAHs to the thyroid function, reducing the burden of thyroid diseases, and revealing the pathogeneses of thyroid diseases.