I recall reading something about potassium something-or-other (I think it was potassium) which can be taken if one is exposed to radiation. Is this stuff effective? What is it? Do I need a prescripion? Is it safe? Should I have some on hand? Thanks for sharing your knowledge! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ianjbs,

It all depends on where you live and how paranoid you are. I live in Phoenix. We are not on the top list of cities the terrorists want to nuke. I do have a box at home and some pills at work.

There are several brands. One box costs about $12.00. It is good for one person for about a week. You should be able to pick up a box at your local chain pharmacy. You will have to look around. Having a picture of the product helps.

It's potassium iodide (KI) and it's for protecting the thyroid gland from developing cancer later and the younger you are the more you are at risk. (if you have young children for exemple you should consider it more seriously than if you are 40 and over and live alone)

It must be taken shortly after the exposition, something like within 4 hours and it only protects against radioactive iodine and it's not always the isotope used in every nuclear emergencies. It would be unlikely in a dirty bomb and maybe if you live near a nuclear plant you should contact the plant directly to know about emergency procedures. Besides there is also a risk of allergic reaction.

As for me, I won't bother with rotating pills as I do with other medications like Imodium or Benadryl since I guess I'm not at risk.

Frankie

Potassium iodide(KI) pills will only protect your thyroid gland, and only from radioactive iodine isotopes. It won't protect the rest of your body, like "the crown jewels", if you are directly exposed to radiation energy or are exposed to other radioactive isotopes. These radioactive iodine isotopes can be released from an accident at a nuclear power plant, but are not likely to be found in much quantities in a "dirty bomb".

As we've seen with Hurricane Katrina, evacuating a large metropolitan area quickly is not really practical, but generally speaking, during a radiological event, evacuation is the best defense if you have the time since it protects your whole body from exposure, not just your thyroid gland. But each emergency is different, so sheltering in place may be better, depending on the circumstances.

If you don't live or work near a nuclear power plant, then I personally would not bother with KI pills since it's highly unlikely you'd ever be exposed to radioactive iodine. If you do live near a plant, then as Frankie suggests, I would get in touch with the utility company or authorities for more advice. They may already have stockpiles of KI pills in your neighborhood.

If not directly irradiated, or contaiminated:
Time, distance and shielding
If you are
Decontaiminate

FEMA's Independent Study Course #3 - Radiological Emergency Management Good information in here.

janjbs,

All the responses have been on the money. However, if you don't live within a specific radius of a nuke plant, the government doesn't issue you any. I keep one in my wallet and my wife her purse. Extra in the glove compartment and BOB. The Potassium Iodide tablets used by the government is called "IOSAT" and are available from nukepills.com. They are nice because each pill is in an individual foil wrapper so they can be seperated (as opposed to those that come in a bottle). Very reasonably priced. Hope this helps.

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