Why does iodine protect against radiation

It will NOT protect against external radiation or internal radiation from radionuclides other than radioiodine. This salt, if taken either before or very soon after a radioiodine intake and if taken in the proper dose, will block the uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid.

KI can be in the form of a pill or a supersaturated solution. The recommended daily dosage for an adult is milligrams. If the thyroid absorbs all the iodine that it needs from the nonradioactive KI, then the radioactive iodine will not be absorbed and will be eliminated from the body mostly by way of the urine. Reducing the amount of radioiodine absorbed in the thyroid will reduce the dose received by the thyroid, thereby reducing the risks of thyroid cancer.

Even though there have been minimal side effects e. There has also been a modification for the KI pill distribution regulations at the Gentilly-2 plant in Quebec. After evaluating radiological risk, Gentilly-2 no longer represents a risk to surrounding populations , following decommissioning projects that have taken place since This means that KI pills are not a requirement.

In fact, previously eligible citizens are now encouraged to dispose of the KI pills that they have in stock. Skip to main content Skip to footer. Do not take KI pills unless you are instructed to do so by public health officials. During a nuclear emergency, you will be promptly notified by radio, television, Internet, sirens, automated phone calls and social media. KI saturates your thyroid gland, preventing radioactive iodine from being absorbed; over time, the radioactive iodine will decay and be harmlessly excreted in urine.

The overall benefit of taking KI during an emergency outweighs the risk of side effects. Scientists are tracking the location of radioactive iodine released from the power plant in Japan. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Radiation Emergencies.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Radiation and Potassium Iodide KI. Minus Related Pages. You should only take KI on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials, or your doctor. There are health risks associated with taking KI. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this. Related Pages. Potassium Iodide KI. Minus Related Pages. What is Potassium Iodide KI? How does KI potassium iodide work?

Who can take KI potassium iodide? How is KI potassium iodide given? How often should I take KI potassium iodide? What are the side effects of KI potassium iodide? Where can I get KI potassium iodide? To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address.

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