Potassium Iodide
Since the September 11th terrorist attack, There has been renewed interest from people asking about the prudence of stockpiling potassium iodide just in case terrorists use a nuclear device or attack a nuclear power plant in the future. This is not a good idea.
Why? Because most people believe that potassium iodide (KI) is an "anti-radiation pill." Well, it isn't. The fact remains that KI protects only one organ - the thyroid - from only one form of radiation, I-131. You are still at risk of being exposed to other forms of radiation and becoming seriously ill - or even dying from radiation sickness!
Only distance from the source of radiation offers you any true protection. That is why evacuation should always be your priority in a radiological emergency! Forget about searching your home for KI pills. Get in your car and evacuate instead.
What Is Potassium Iodide?
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that contains iodine, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland - a butterfly-shaped organ found in the throat that regulates your body's metabolism and affects heart rate, body weight and a host of other conditions. Small amounts of it are found in "iodized salt," which people routinely use to season their food.
Potassium iodide is also manufactured as a pill to be used to prevent the thyroid from absorbing any radioactive I-131 that might be released during a nuclear accident. It is intended to protect against thyroid cancer. It does this by filling-up your thyroid with harmless iodine so that it cannot subsequently absorb any radioactive I-131 you may encounter.
Is It Safe?
Although potassium iodide is generally safe, it can cause some adverse health effects in people who have existing thyroid conditions, as well as in those who are allergic to iodine or shellfish. If you are considering storing and using potassium iodide, consult your doctor first.
Where Can You Get KI?
After the September 11th attack, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission offered states that have nuclear power plants located within their borders the option of distributing KI free-of-charge to residents who live or work within a 10-mile radius of the power plant. This radius is known as an Emergency Planning Zone &endash; or EPZ for short.
Not all states have accepted the offer. One reason is because they don't want residents to have a false sense of security. They WANT people to evacuate in an emergency! Again, potassium iodide is not an anti-radiation pill!
For those who insist on having a supply of KI on-hand, it can be bought at some pharmacies or ordered from a number of firms that sell it directly over the Internet.
Should Children Take KI?
Very young children are more susceptible to thyroid cancer than adults because they are growing rapidly. Therefore, if you decide to have KI on hand for radiological emergencies, you need to have a supply for any children as well.
Potassium iodide presently comes in 130-mg pills, which is the recommended adult dosage. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women take a smaller amount.
Dosage Chart
Realizing that it may be difficult to cut the tiny pills into even smaller portions and give them to children, the US Food and Drug Administration says that - in a declared radiological emergency - parents may give a 130-mg tablet to children. The overall benefits of doing so far outweigh the risks of overdosing. Children can receive their dose of KI in water, milk, applesauce or pudding to make it easier to swallow.
How Will You Know When To Take The Pills?
To be effective, potassium iodide needs to be taken immediately before or within a few hours after exposure to radiation. You should take it ONLY at the direction of emergency officials, who will decide the most appropriate time to do so. That recommendation will be announced through the Emergency Alert System and the news media.
Where Should You Store The Pills?
Like any drug, store potassium iodide pills at room temperature away from any moisture. Keep them in an accessible location, but out of the reach of children. Replace your KI pills every five years when they expire. The expiration date is typically printed on the foil packet.
Who Assumes Legal Liability For Using KI?
You do. The use of KI is voluntary. No one is required to accept it or use it.
Key Points To Remember
• Potassium iodide is not a substitute for evacuation! Evacuation offers you the most protection in the event of a radiological emergency.
• Potassium iodide is not an "anti-radiation pill." It protects only the thyroid gland from one type of radiation, I-131. In a radiological release you will still be susceptible to exposure from other types of radiation.
• Children under 14-years of age are most at risk from the effects of I-131 on the thyroid gland.
• Although KI is generally safe, it can cause health problems in people with existing thyroid conditions and those allergic to iodine or shellfish. Anyone considering storing and using potassium iodide should consult with his or her health care provider.
• Thyroid protection due to nuclear accidents and emergencies
• SSKI may be used in radioiodine-contamination emergencies (i.e., nuclear accidents) to "block" the thyroid's uptake of radioiodine (this is not the same as blocking the thyroid's release of thyroid hormone).
• Potassium iodide was approved in 1982 by the US FDA to protect the thyroid glands from radioactive iodine from accidents or fission emergencies. In the event of an accident or attack at a nuclear power plant, or fallout from a nuclear bomb, volatile fission product radionuclides may be released, of which 131I is one of the most common by-products and a particularly dangerous one due to thyroid gland concentration of it, which may lead to thyroid cancer. By saturating the body with a source of stable iodide prior to exposure, inhaled or ingested 131I tends to be excreted.
• Potassium iodide cannot protect against any other causes of radiation poisoning, nor can it provide any degree of protection against dirty bombs that produce radionuclides other than isotopes of iodine. See fission products and the external links for more details concerning radionuclides.
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Thyroid protection due to nuclear accidents and emergencies
SSKI may be used in radioiodine-contamination emergencies (i.e., nuclear accidents) to "block" the thyroid's uptake of radioiodine (this is not the same as blocking the thyroid's release of thyroid hormone).
Potassium iodide was approved in 1982 by the US FDA to protect the thyroid glands from radioactive iodine from accidents or fission emergencies. In the event of an accident or attack at a nuclear power plant, or fallout from a nuclear bomb, volatile fission product radionuclides may be released, of which 131I is one of the most common by-products and a particularly dangerous one due to thyroid gland concentration of it, which may lead to thyroid cancer. By saturating the body with a source of stable iodide prior to exposure, inhaled or ingested 131I tends to be excreted.
Potassium iodide cannot protect against any other causes of radiation poisoning, nor can it provide any degree of protection against dirty bombs that produce radionuclides other than isotopes of iodine. See fission products and the external links for more details concerning radionuclides.
WHO Recommended Dosage for Radiological Emergencies involving radioactive iodine
Age KI in mg
Over 12 years old 130
3 – 12 years old 65*
1 – 36 months old 32
< 1 month old 16
• (* contained in 80 tablespoons of iodized salt or one tablet specific for this use)
• The World Health Organization recommends that nuclear fallout KI prophylaxis is not recommended for adults over 40 years, unless inhaled radiation dose levels are expected to threaten thyroid function; because, the KI side effects increases with age and may exceed the KI protective effects.
• The protective effect of KI lasts approximately 24 hours. For optimal prophylaxis, KI should therefore be dosed daily, until a risk of significant exposure to radioiodines by either inhalation or ingestion no longer exists.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services restated these two years later as "The downward KI (potassium iodide) dose adjustment by age group, based on body size considerations, adheres to the principle of minimum effective dose. The recommended standard (daily) dose of KI for all school-age children is the same (65 mg). However, adolescents approaching adult size (i.e., >70 kg [154 lbs]) should receive the full adult dose (130 mg) for maximal block of thyroid radioiodine uptake. Neonates ideally should receive the lowest dose (16 mg) of KI."
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FDA PATIENT INFORMATION USE OF 130-MG SCORED TABLETS OF POTASSIUM IODIDE FOR THYROID BLOCKING
• (Potassium Iodide Tablets, U.S.P.)
• (Pronounced poe-TASS-e-um EYE-oh-dyed)
• (Abbreviated KI)
• TAKE POTASSIUM IODIDE ONLY WHEN PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS TELL YOU. IN A RADIATION EMERGENCY, RADIOACTIVE IODINE COULD BE RELEASED INTO THE AIR. POTASSIUM IODIDE (A FORM OF IODINE) CAN HELP PROTECT YOU.
• IF YOU ARE TOLD TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE, TAKE IT ONE TIME EVERY 24 HOURS. DO NOT TAKE IT MORE OFTEN. MORE WILL NOT HELP YOU AND MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SIDE EFFECTS. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO IODINE (SEE SIDE EFFECTS BELOW).
INDICATIONS
• THYROID BLOCKING IN A RADIATION EMERGENCY ONLY
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
• Use only as directed by State or local public health authorities in the event of a radiation emergency.
DOSE
• ADULTS AND CHILDREN ONE YEAR OF AGE OR
• OLDER: One (1) tablet once a day. Crush for small children.
• BABIES UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE: One-half (1/2) tablet once a day. Crush first.
• DOSAGE: Take for 10 days unless directed otherwise by State or local public health authorities.
• Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30C (59 degrees to 86 degrees F). Keep bottle tightly closed and protect from light.
WARNING
• POTASSIUM IODIDE SHOULD NOT BE USED BY PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO IODIDE. Keep out of the reach of children. In case of overdose or allergic reaction, contact a physician or public health authority.
DESCRIPTION
• Each (company trade name) Tablet contains 130 mg. of potassium iodide.
HOW POTASSIUM IODIDE WORKS
• Certain forms of iodine help your thyroid gland work right. Most people get the iodine they need from foods like iodized salt or fish. The thyroid can "store" or hold only a certain amount of iodine.
• In a radiation emergency, radioactive iodine may be released in the air. This material may be breathed or swallowed. It may enter the thyroid gland and damage it. The damage would probably not show itself for years. Children are most likely to have thyroid damage.
• If you take potassium iodide, it will fill up your thyroid gland. This reduces the chance that harmful radioactive iodine will enter the thyroid gland.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE POTASSIUM IODIDE
• The only people who should not take potassium iodide are people who know they are allergic to iodide. You may take potassium iodide even if you are taking medicines for a thyroid problem (for example, a thyroid hormone or anti-thyroid drug). Pregnant and nursing women and babies and children may also take this drug.
HOW AND WHEN TO TAKE POTASSIUM IODIDE
• Potassium iodide should be taken as soon as possible after public health officials tell you. You should take one dose every 24 hours. More will not help you because the thyroid can "hold" only limited amounts of iodine. Larger doses will increase the risk of side effects. You will probably be told not to take the drug for more than 10 days.
SIDE EFFECTS
• Usually, side effects of potassium iodide happen when people take higher doses for a long time. You should be careful not to take more than the recommended dose or take it for longer than you are told. Side effects are unlikely because of the low dose and the short time you will be taking the drug.
• Possible side effects include skin rashes, swelling of the salivary glands, and "iodism" (metallic taste, burning mouth and throat, sore teeth and gums, symptoms of a head cold, and sometimes stomach upset and diarrhea).
• A few people have an allergic reaction with more serious symptoms. These could be fever and joint pains, or swelling of parts of the face and body and at times severe shortness of breath requiring immediate medical attention.
• Taking iodide may rarely cause overactivity of the thyroid gland, underactivity of the thyroid gland, or enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter).
WHAT TO DO IF SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR
• If the side effects are severe or if you have an allergic reaction, stop taking potassium iodide. Then, if possible, call a doctor or public health authority for instructions.
HOW SUPPLIED
Tablets (Potassium Iodide Tablets, U.S.P.): bottles of [number of tablets in a bottle] tablets
( ). Each white, round, scored tablet contains 130 mg. potassium iodide.
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Thyroid Protection Is Vital to Keeping Your Family Safe After a Nuclear Accident!
Thyroid protection in the case of nuclear accidents is paramount. Timely action can help prevent thyroid cancer, according to the WHO. In the wake of recent tragic events in Japan, we explain here a simple, low-cost way you can help protect your family if you are in danger of exposure to nuclear fallout from the nuclear reactor accident in Japan.
Conflicting reports are surfacing regarding the real condition of the affected nuclear reactors in Japan; it seems that the Japanese government and much of the mainstream media may be trying to make things not look as bad as they might be in regards to the this week's nuclear accident, the result of the earthquake and the following tsunami.
There are no guarantees that the workers at those nuclear facilities will be able to keep things under control. Only in the coming days will we know.
What we do know is that the government is evacuating hundreds of thousands of people from the area and are preparing for the worst. Independent experts are being very cautious, but express their concerns that the worst case scenario is possible.
Here's the big question
By the time we find out if there is, or has been, a meltdown or an explosion at those nuclear power plants, how much time will we have to take action to provide thyroid protection for our families and loved ones?
It will depend on how far away you are from the accident when you hear about the danger in your area.
Once any nuclear material reaches the atmosphere and gets carried by the jet streams, there could very well be widespread nuclear fallout and acid rain many hundreds and even thousands of miles away.
Revisiting Chernobyl
Radiation releases are not "local" events. Researchers at the World Health Organization accurately located and counted the cancer victims from Chernobyl and were startled to find that "the increase in incidence [of thyroid cancer] has been documented up to 500 km from the accident site...significant doses from radioactive iodine can occur hundreds of kilometers from the site, beyond emergency planning zones."1
Thyroid protection: Here's the single most important thing you can do!
The very first thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from thyroid damage due to exposure to radioactive fallout from the disaster in Japan, or almost any other radioactive situation for that matter, is to get yourself potassium iodide pills or liquid.
These are very inexpensive and can be purchased without a prescription from just about any pharmacy or health food store. Compounding pharmacies should also be able to prepare potassium iodide pills or liquid for you.
Why use potassium iodide to provide thyroid protection?
In the case of a nuclear accident or attack at a nuclear power plant, volatile fission radionuclides may be released, of which iodine-131 (also called radioiodine) is one of the most common by-products--and a particularly dangerous one due to the fact that it becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland. This can lead to thyroid cancer.
This is why thyroid protection is so important.
When the body has sufficient stable iodine prior to exposure to iodine-131, inhaled or ingested iodine-131 tends to be excreted in the urine.2
In other words, if your body has all the stable iodine it needs, then if you are exposed to radioactive iodine (iodine-131), your body doesn't assimilate it; it just passes the radioactive iodine off in the urine.
But if you are deficient in iodine and you are exposed to even minute quantities of radioactive iodine, your thyroid gland will absorb it. Other vital organs can then become exposed via the lymph system.
Your body cannot tell the difference between stable iodine and radioactive iodine.
When should you take potassium iodide?
Since there are side effects of taking potassium iodide, you should be sure that you need it before taking it. In the case of uncertainty, you'll just have to weigh the risks. Please see below for more on the negative effects of using potassium iodide.
That said, you should take potassium iodide as quickly as possible after being warned of a nuclear disaster or accident. The FDA says that potassium iodide works best if used within 3 to 4 hours of exposure. This is why we're suggesting that you have some of this product on hand at home.
Another very important reason to have potassium iodide on hand, is that when a nuclear reactor accident actually occurs, supplies will disappear very fast. Case in point: When we first started writing this article a few hours ago, our favorite supplier of herbal products had its potassium iodide products in stock. But now, just a few hours later, they are completely sold out! As someone wisely said, "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."
Radioactive iodine has a very short half-life. That means that it breaks down and becomes stable rather quickly. So this would normally be the kind of emergency in which you would take one dose of potassium iodide (unless otherwise directed by health authorities) and then you'd be protected.
Do be careful with the expiration date, as if the product is too old (it usually turns yellowish when it's oxidized) you shouldn't use it.
But the product is so inexpensive, it's one of those things that in an emergency, having it on hand and using it could make the difference between health and sickness.
Potassium iodide provides thyroid protection, but what about the rest of my body?
Unfortunately, potassium iodide does not protect the body from other radionuclides. In many nuclear processes, iodine-131 (the radioactive iodine we've been talking about that goes to the thyroid) is the major byproduct. But, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Potassium iodide cannot protect against any other causes of radiation poisoning, nor can it provide any degree of protection against dirty bombs that produce radionuclides other than isotopes of iodine."
What is the recommended dosage for thyroid protection?
The recommended dosage for radiological emergencies involving radioactive iodine are the following:
12 years or older: 130 mg per day
3-12 years old: 65 mg per day
1- 36 months old: 32 mg per day
Less than 1 month old: 16 mg per day
Re: 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake hits Japan, Tsunami warnings have been issued
Originally Posted by FranZeno
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