Radiation pills

After the nuclear accident in Japan, scores of people all over the world could be exposed to radiation. Depending of the level of radiation, this may lead to several symptoms, like hair loss, skin rash, even burns and, in case of extreme exposure, acute radiation syndrome. Cancer risk sharply increases.

As nuclear threat in spreading, people all over the world is mistakenly ingesting potassium iodine pills, widely considered “to protect against cancer”. What is true and what is myth in all this hysteria?

The truth is that potassium iodine protects you against one single type of cancer and incorrectly taken may have adverse side effects. In most instances of radiation exposure, the benefits of taking KI outweigh any known risks or side effects. Newborn infants taking a repeat dose of KI increase their risk of developing hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.

As a general rule, never take potassium iodine without proper medical advice. You can freely buy it without a prescription as side effects may be very dangerous too. But if a doctor recommends you to take it, do not avoid taking it. In case of a nuclear accident, potassium iodine is extremely important for pregnant women, as their thyroids absorb radioactive iodine leaked by reactors much faster than other persons. Taking the recommended dose of potassium iodine, the pregnant woman also protects her baby, who automatically absorbs the needed quantity.

Radiation exposure sharply increases cancer risk, a danger that usually looms for decades after the exposure. Immune system is strongly affected by radiation, leading to cancer and other diseases.

Japan's nuclear crisis overwhelmed drugstores in the U.S. and other countries for a drug that can protect against one type of radiation damage. Though the risk of radiation remains only in Japan people in other places is worried that potassium iodine might disappear and want it in their homes.

Doctors warned that there's no reason for people outside Japan to stock up on potassium iodide but the stronger the warns, the greater the panic.

The myth about the use of potassium iodide is that this is a general radiation antidote. But the pill can help prevent radioactive iodine from causing thyroid cancer. Mostly children are known to be at risk in a nuclear disaster.

In the U.S., whether people fear fallout from Japan or a nuclear accident here, potassium iodide seems to have become something of a hot commodity.

Potassium iodide is a salt also known as KI that has only one use, to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine. It blocks no other type of radiation, and protects no other body part.
The drug, either pill or liquid form, is sold over-the-counter and is considered safe, but doctors warn that it disturbs hormonal equilibrium of the body and may lead to allergic reactions.
Potassium iodide is most important for children and pregnant women, because a growing thyroid is much more active and more likely to absorb radioactive iodine. It should be given within a few hours of radiation exposure — but isn't considered that useful for people over age 40.
Only two U.S. companies are approved by the FDA to manufacture KI, so supply from friends and relatives abroad is usual these days.

Potassium iodine is a salt of stable iodine. This substance is used by our bodies to produce thyroid hormones. KI is sold as a tablet or as a liquid medicine to protect the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine. Saturating your body with potassium iodine prevents absorbtion of the radioactive one, which is released into the air by crippled nuclear plant. It is able to block radioactive iodine because the thyroid recognizes both KI and radioactive iodine as the same substance. KI “fills up” the thyroid with its daily iodine quota, thus blocking the radioactive version from being absorbed. That is why KI should be taken as soon as the possibility of radiation contamination is known, before the damage can occur. Without such protection, the thyroid gland would quickly absorb the radioactive iodine, that often results in thyroid cancer.

The problem is that KI protects only the thyroid. Radioactive iodine continues to enter the body through breathing, or by eating contaminated food. KI also does not protect other parts of the body besides the thyroid, and it cannot protect even the thyroid from other radioactive materials besides iodine. Nor can it reverse damage once the thyroid has been exposed to radioactive iodine. One dose of KI is effective for 24 hours.

Iodized table salt also contains iodine, but it doesn't contain enough to block radioactive iodine and should not be used as a substitute for KI.

Potassium Iodide - protection in case of radioactive exposure

Thyroid Protection

If radioactive iodine in the air there, it is introduced into the lungs by inhalation where some will enter the bloodstream and be absorbed by the thyroid gland. An effective measure to prevent absorption of radioactive iodine by the thyroid is the administration of KI pills (potassium iodide). The stable iodine found in the pills (which is non-radioactive) will be quickly absorbed by the thyroid, "filling it up" with the stable iodine and in turn causing it to stop the accumulation of radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine is then removed quickly from the body through natural body functions. 

Important note: 

The potassium iodide pills do not protect the body from other radioactive substances. 

Another measure to protect yourself against inhalation of radioactive iodine (and harmful radiation in general) is to remain sheltered inside. You can get more practical advice about how to protect yourself here: http://followthenews.blogspot.com/2011/03/radiation-dangers-nuclear-preparedness.html 

The administration of KI pills must be done quickly in an emergency though. Such pills will be available in reception centers organized by the Public Authorities and distributed to the public. Also the schools should have sufficient quantities of pills for the children, when necessary.

Studies have shown that the administration of iodine greatly reduces the risk of thyroid cancer. The tablets are most effective when taken just before being exposed, or at latest within 6 hours of exposure to radioactive emissions.

How to take potassium iodide pills?

Never take pills without consulting a doctor or a specialist.

As a general guideline, for an adequate effect, an adult can have one-only dose of 130 milligrams of potassium iodide, equivalent to 100 mg of iodine (only two tablets). The tablets are to be crushed and administered after a meal, with large quantities of liquids. It is recommended that depending on the extent and evolution of nuclear urgency, following the recommendation of health authorities, people may be advised to take iodine tablets repeatedly over several consecutive days, but without exceeding 10 days or a maximum total dose (cumulative) of 1 gram of iodine. In this case, to reduce side effects is recommended to take half a dose (one tablet) every 12 hours, but ONLY if the health authorities advise it!

The following persons should never take iodine tablets:

- People who suffer from hypersensitivity (allergic) to iodine;
- People who suffer from one of these rare diseases:

• dermatitis herpetiformis;
• iododerma tuberosum;
• penfigus vulgar;
• congenital myotonic;
• vasculitis with complement deficiency.

Disclaimer: 

DO NOT ingest potassium iodide pills without consulting the health authorities or your doctor! Only they can determine the necessary dose for each particular person and situation. The opinions expressed in this blog address theoretical concerns and CANNOT dictate direct patient care! The creator/author is also not responsible for the opinions of contributors comments.

Radiation danger - Nuclear preparedness

Japan crisis update:

As of Monday, 14.March, the Fukushima plant was emitting as much radiation in one hour as it normally would in six months, but government spokesman, Yukio Edano, said "The possibility that a large amount of radiation has been released is low."

However, reactor 2 remains unstable and it's hard to predict how things will develop.

Practical Advice in a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

The following are guidelines for what you should do if you find yourself in such a situation.

Stay informed. Watch the news and follow all new developments. Also keep a battery-powered radio with you at all times to listen for specific instructions issued by the authorities (even when on the move).

If you are told to evacuate:
- Keep car windows and vents closed; use re-circulating air.
- Wear a face mask or a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth (when outside your car)
- Cover your yourself while moving outside to prevent radioactive particles from landing directly on your skin.

If you are advised to remain indoors:
- Turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes.
- Go to a basement or other underground area, if possible (or above 12th floor).
- Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary (to avoid blocking emergency telephone lines for others who really need it).

If you expect you have been exposed to nuclear radiation:
- Change clothes and shoes.
- Put exposed clothing in a plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and place it out of the way.
- Take a thorough shower.
- Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously covered should be washed before being put in to containers.

Practical Advice - Earthquake Preparedness

Following the earthquake in Japan, here are some things you need to know in order to be prepared for an emergency situation (like an earthquake).

How can I plan ahead for an earthquake?

Make sure each member of your family knows what to do no matter where they are when earthquakes occur:
- Establish a meeting place where you can all reunite afterwards.
- Find out about earthquake plans developed by children's school or day care.
- Know where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short.

- Locate your nearest fire and police stations and emergency medical facility.

- Talk to your neighbors - how could they help you or you them after an earthquake.

- Take Red Cross First Aid and CPR training courses.

Remember that transportation may be disrupted, so keep some emergency supplies - like food and liquids both at home and at work if possible (see more info below).

What emergency supplies do I need?

- Fire extinguisher.
- Adequate supplies of medications that you or family members are taking.
- Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies.
- First-aid kit and handbook.
- Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries (or manual hand-driven flashlights)

- Water for each family member, ideally for at least two weeks (allow at least 1 gallon per person per day) and purification tablets or chlorine bleach to purify drinking water from other sources

- Canned and package foods, enough for several days and a mechanical can opener. Include extra food for pets if necessary.

- Portable radio with extra batteries.
- Waterproof, heavy-duty plastic bags for waste disposal.


What should I do during an earthquake?

If you are INDOORS - STAY THERE! Lay down near a dense and solid furniture piece that you have near you, something that can protect you in case of debris falling (or even a collapsing ceiling). Stay clear of windows and fireplaces. Get out of the kitchen (which is a dangerous place during an earthquake). Don't run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.

If you are OUTSIDE - get into the open, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys or anything else that might fall on you.

If you are DRIVING - stop carefully. Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. Do not stop on or under a bridge, or overpass, or under trees, light posts or power lines. STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops. When you resume driving watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.