Should People Take Potassium Iodide Pills to Protect Against Radiation Exposure? - Business - Industrial Mechanical

Radioactive leak in Japan has led to panic buying of iodine pills in neighboring countries such as Korea and the United States (Hawaii) which are believed to be able to prevent radiation exposure. Almost every time there is a threat of a radiation leak on the news, potassium iodide(PI) is usually mentioned as a treatment for exposure. But partly because of the lack of detailed explanations as to exactly what it does, many people may not understand its limits. Does PI really can protect people from radiation exposure?

If it happens leakage of nuclear radiation, radioactive iodine is released into the air and contaminate the local food supply. When these materials enter the body through breathing, eating or drinking, then this will lead to the condition called internal contamination.

When internal contamination occurs, the thyroid gland willquickly absorb the chemical. Radioactive iodine absorbed by the thyroid can damage the gland and can cause cancers of the thyroid cancer. Because nonradioactive KI acts to block radioactive iodine from being absorbed into the thyroid gland, it can help protect it against damage.

Will Potassium Iodide Supplements Protect People?Iodine supplements can potentially protect the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine, thyroid gland, but only it, and only if the supplement is taken before exposure. It does nothing to protect the rest of the body, and can not reverse thyroid damage against radiation once it has occurred.

Also, keep in mind that these supplements only offer limited protection against radioactive iodine. They are ineffective against other radioactive materials that may be present in the case of a nuclear release.In addition, KI also can not protect the body against other radioactive elements. So if not all radioactive iodine, KI would be ineffective to protect.

Administration and Side EffectsSupplements of PI in both tablets and liquid are usually taken once every 24 hours. And, while there are possible side effects, including the Centers for Disease Control lists on its website as "... may include intestinal, allergic reactions (possibly severe), rashes and inflammation of the salivary glands," these are usually offset by the potential benefits of taking the supplement during a nuclear crisis.

Although these supplements are not recommended for everyone. If you live in an area where the potential exists for exposure to radiation and are concerned, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether supplements of potassium iodide are good for you. And these supplements are available over the counter so no prescription is needed.

Do People Really Need These Supplements? Nuclear accidents are rare, only happens a few times since the technology was put into service. The most notable of these are probably the collapse of Three Mile Island meltdown in 1979 and Chernobyl in 1986, both of which are shown below.

But just because these accidents are rare, this does not mean they can never occur. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to have these supplements of potassium iodide on hand is up to you.

Chu li is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the chemistry. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals! Our guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people.

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