Potassium iodide
We don't think too much about potassium iodide. Until there's a risk of radioactive fallout - Daniel Fromson
.jpg)
image by: Potassium Iodide Pills Wholesale
HWN Recommends
Why people are buying potassium iodide pills
One of the most insidious dangers of a strategic nuclear weapon (as the city-destroying ones mounted on intercontinental ballistic missiles are known) is the copious amount of radiation it would release. After an attack, radioactive fallout would rain down from the sky, poisoning those exposed to it. That can lead to severe illness and death. Potassium iodide can help, but only up to a point.
But they are not a cure-all. Potassium iodide tablets only stop your thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine. They do not protect other parts of the body, and they do not protect you from other radioactive elements in the fallout, such as caesium, americium and strontium. Nor can the pills…
Resources
Can You OD on KI?
Doctors have been prescribing potassium iodide for more than a century, long before we figured out how to unleash the power of the atom.
Iodine Demand Surges Across EU Due To Nuclear Fear
Tensions have been heightened so much that many European countries are reporting a huge increase in the number of people asking pharmacists for iodine tablets, for fear of a nuclear disaster.
Nuclear Angst Sparks Demand for Iodide Pills
However, the best thing to do if a nuclear accident happens is to stay inside at the center of a building, Mr. Roszak said. “The thing to think about with radiation is time, distance and shielding,” he said.
Pills to Protect Against an Apocalypse
Potassium iodide offers limited protection to those exposed to a Chernobyl-type disaster..
The effects of iodine blocking following nuclear accidents on thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and benign thyroid nodules: design of a systematic review
One of the most efficient radiation protection methods to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes in case of accidental radioactive iodine release is the administration of potassium iodine (KI). Although KI administration is recommended by WHO’s guidelines for iodine prophylaxis following nuclear accidents and is also widely implemented in most national guidelines, the scientific evidence for the guidelines lacks as the guidelines are mostly based on expert opinions and recommendations.
Why Iodine Tablets Come Out When Radiation Threatens
Iodine tablets can prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine for up to 24 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The amount of iodine you can get from iodized salt or your regular diet isn't enough to protect you.
Why people are buying potassium iodide pills
But they are not a cure-all. Potassium iodide tablets only stop your thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine. They do not protect other parts of the body, and they do not protect you from other radioactive elements in the fallout, such as caesium, americium and strontium.
Potassium Iodide Tablets
If you are ever instructed to take KI tablets, the standard dosage is one tablet of 130 mg for a normal size adult. Taking more will NOT increase effectiveness and will only worsen side effects.
CDC
One dose of KI offers protection for 24 hours. Officials will tell you if another dose is needed after 24 hours.
Science.org
First, as the chemists and biologists in this site's readership can tell you, it's not like KI is some sort of broad-spectrum anti-radiation pill. It can protect people against the effects of radioactive iodine-131, which is a major fission product from uranium. It does that by basically swamping out the radioactive iodine a person might have been exposed to, keeping it from being taken up into the body.
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.
