IntroductionPotassium iodide (KI) is the potassium salt form of iodide. It is a simple salt that is often added to table salt to provide a source of iodine in the diet. Potassium iodide is the active ingredient in "fallout pills," pills that prevent the accumulation of radioactive iodines in the thyroid, which can cause thyroid cancer. Potassium iodide pills or potassium iodide powder should be consumed in regular doses if one might be exposed to radiation, such as during a nuclear war.
KI tastes bad and is a mild irritant. It should be handled with gloves to prevent skin irritation. To make it more palatable, mix it in with sugar water or just water. It is important to realize thatit does not protect someone from being damaged by radiation, only lowers the chance that trace amounts of inhaled or ingested radioactive iodines (as released in ground-level nuclear explosions or nuclear accidents) will accumulate in the thyroid gland and cause cancer. Because the thyroid can only hold a limited amount of iodide, the KI salt keeps the thyroid occupied, preventing it from concentrating any radioactive iodines that are swallowed. The type of iodine used to cleanse wounds, molecular iodine, is poisonous, offers no protection benefits, and should never be consumed.
UsesIodized saltIodized salt is used in most developed countries to reduce the occurrence of physical growth and development problems, and goiter associated with lack of iodine in the diet. Potassium iodide can be added to table salt and flour as a way to provide a reliable source of iodine.
Radiation exposureKI can be administered as a protection against absorption by the thyroid of radio-active isotopes of iodine that may be produced in the event of a nuclear event. When given in correct doses within three to four hours of exposure, it stops the thyroid from absorbing the radioactive iodine. The correct dosage depends on the amount of exposure and should be given daily until there is no more risk of exposure. Potassium iodide does not protect against any other radiation effects. According to FDA guidelines for exposures greater than 10 centigray (cGy) the recommended daily dose of potassium iodide for adults 18 to 40 years is 130 milligrams. It should be taken only under instruction of local health authorities. It can cause problems with the development of a fetus so should not be taken by pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Thyroid functionIodine and tyrosine are used by the thyroid to form triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Potassium iodide is used as a supplement to provide the thyroid with the necessary iodine to function normally. It is used to help with hypothyroidism by counteracting dietary iodine deficiencies. KI may also be administered before thyroid surgery to help prepare the gland for the surgery.
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