Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident - Softcover

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Board On Radiation Effects Research; Committee To Assess The Distribution And Administration Of Potassium Iodide In The Event Of A Nuclear Incident

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309090989 ISBN 13: 9780309090988

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2003

Synopsis

Radioactive iodines are produced during the operation of nuclear power plants and during the detonation of nuclear weapons. In the event of a radiation incident, radioiodine is one of the contaminants that could be released into the environment. Exposure to radioiodine can lead to radiation injury to the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Radiation to the thyroid from radioiodine can be limited by taking a nonradioactive iodine (stable iodine) such as potassium iodide. This book assesses strategies for the distribution and administration of potassium iodide (KI) in the event of a nuclear incident. The report says that potassium iodide pills should be available to everyone age 40 or youngera "especially children and pregnant and lactating womena "living near a nuclear power plant. States and municipalities should decide how to stockpile, distribute, and administer potassium iodide tablets, and federal agencies should keep a backup supply of tablets and be prepared to distribute them to affected areas.

About this title

About the Author

Committee to Assess the Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident, National Research Council

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309090989
• ISBN 13: 9780309090988
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 262