Radiation Fallout and Iodine Recommendations in Light of the Japan Earthquake - Health - Medicine

With the tragedy in Japan and now the possible release of harmful radioactive materials into the atmosphere, many are searching for a way of protection. The good news is SSKI may be used to "block" the thyroid's uptake of radioiodine Potassium iodide was approved in 1982 by the United States FDA to protect the thyroid glands from radioactive iodine from accidents or fission emergencies that those in Japan and the world may be facing when the volatile fission product radionuclides are released, of which 131I is one of the most common by-products and a particularly dangerous one due to thyroid gland concentration of it, which may lead to thyroid cancer. By saturating the body with a source of stable iodide prior to exposure, inhaled or ingested 131I tends to be excreted. One should not use SSKI drops if: * you are allergic to any ingredient in SSKI Drops * you have iodine poisoning, Addison disease, kidney disease, lung disease, a skin disorder, stomach disorders, tuberculos is, or a history of preexisting thyroid disease * you are taking potassium sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone) or potassium supplementsSome medical conditions may interact with SSKI Drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: * if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding * if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement * if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances * if you have an overactive thyroidSome MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with SSKI Drops. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: * Lithium because side effects of SSKI Drops may be increased * Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), or potassium sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone) because serious side effects, in cluding high blood potassium and irregular heartbeat, may occurYou may be wondering if you are at risk in North America. If the Japanese nuclear reactors release radiation into the air, the jet streams will push this radiation to the Western U.S. and Canada. There are estimates that the radiation fallout will reach the Western side of N. America in six to ten days. Furthermore, experts estimate that it is expected that 750 RADS may contaminate these areas. How much is 750 RADS? One chest x-ray is approximately 3/100 RADS. One CT scan is 1 RAD.

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