|
|
The Iodine Group | |
|
Home | Orthoiodosupplementation | Body | Disease | Special | Overviews |
||
|
|
VanZile
Protecting Yourself In a Nuclear EmergencyVanZile J
"In the simplest terms, radiation is energy given off in waves or small particles of matter from unstable atoms. Even at low doses, radiation can penetrate the body and cause cellular damage that results in cancer many years later. At higher doses, radiation can cause severe hematopoietic syndrome, attacking the body’s red and white blood cells. This syndrome can cause death in 8 to 50 days."
"One form of radiation, known as radioiodine, is particularly dangerous to the thyroid gland. Radioiodine is a common byproduct of nuclear power generation. When inhaled, radioiodine is rapidly absorbed by the thyroid gland, where it has a number of harmful effects. It may cause benign tumors, thyroid cancer, or, at high doses, hypothyroidism caused by destruction of the thyroid gland.
"Potassium iodide works by flooding the thyroid gland with easily available iodine and, if taken at the right time, preventing or completely blocking the uptake of radioactive iodine."
"FDA-approved potassium iodide is available in 130-mg and 65-mg pills. The government has issued dosage guidelines for home use of potassium iodide, as shown in Table 1 above." [Adults, 130 mg]
"Potassium iodide’s effectiveness also depends on the nature of the radioactive exposure. The drug is specifically geared to thyroid protection by blocking the uptake of radioiodine, a common beta particle produced during certain nuclear reactions. However, potassium iodide offers no protective benefits against other forms of radiation, including the extremely dangerous neutrons that are released during a nuclear explosion. It is also ineffective against so-called “dirty bombs,” which are constructed from radioactive material that does not contain radioiodine.
|
|
Home | Orthoiodosupplementation | Body | Disease | Special Topics | OverviewsThe Iodine Group | Books | Disclaimers | Contact Us | Search
|
||
