Almost any time there’s a threat of a radiation leak on the news, potassium iodide is usually mentioned as a treatment for exposure. But due in part to the lack of detailed explanations as to exactly what it does, many people may not understand its limitations.
Iodine and the Thyroid Gland
The human thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck (diagram below). It is constantly absorbing iodine, a necessary element in the production of thyroid hormones, which are a critical part of controlling metabolism. Endocrineweb.com, a doctor-created website devoted to endocrinology issues, states that “Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism.”
This iodine routinely comes from what we eat, but can also be absorbed into the body through the air we breathe, which can be contaminated during a release of radioactive materials such as would occur during a nuclear reactor meltdown.
If radioactive iodine is absorbed into the body through the lungs, the thyroid gland can absorb it, thereby causing damage which can be life-threatening. That’s where potassium iodide supplements come in. A stable form of iodine, if taken before exposure, they can potentially protect the thyroid from absorbing any radioactive iodine by keeping levels in the body high enough to satisfy the thyroid gland’s requirements.
Will Potassium Iodide Supplements Protect Me?
Iodine supplements can potentially protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine exposure, but only the thyroid gland, and only if the supplement is taken before exposure. It does nothing to protect the rest of the body, and cannot reverse thyroid damage from radiation once it’s occurred.
Also, keep in mind that these supplements only offer protection against radioactive iodine. They are ineffective against any other radioactive materials that may be present in the event of a nuclear release.
Dosing and Side Effects
Potassium iodide supplements in either tablet or liquid form are usually only taken once every 24 hours. And, while there are possible side effects, which the Centers for Disease Control lists on its website as “…may include intestinal upset, allergic reactions (possibly severe), rashes, and inflammation of the salivary glands,” these are usually outweighed by the potential benefits of taking the supplement during a nuclear crisis.
Also, these supplements aren’t recommended for everyone. If you live in an area where the potential for radiation exposure exists and are concerned, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if potassium iodide supplements are right for you. And these supplements are available over-the-counter, so no prescription is necessary.
Do I Really Need These Supplements?
Nuclear accidents are rare, only occurring a few times since the technology was put into use. The most notable of these are probably the Three Mile Island meltdown in 1979 and the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986, both of which are pictured below.
But just because these accidents rarely happen, it doesn’t mean that they can never happen. In the end, whether or not you choose to have these potassium iodide supplements on hand is up to you.
Barrett James, Jr. - Barrett James, Jr. is the author of the sci-fi novel, "The Legacy of Balthazar" as well as many self-help articles about the HVAC ...
