EXPLAINER: How iodine tablets block some nuclear radiation

NEW YORK (AP) — The battle in Ukraine has heightened fears about nuclear publicity — and curiosity in iodine drugs that may assist defend the physique from some radiation.

Considerations have grown in current weeks over periodic energy cuts to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant which have elevated the chance of a meltdown. And threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin that he’ll use “all means mandatory” to win the battle in Ukraine has raised the specter of nuclear warfare.

Some international locations in Europe have began stockpiling the tablets and pharmacies in Finland started to run low on the drugs after that nation’s well being ministry advisable households purchase a single dose in case of emergency.

However what are iodine drugs? And what can they do — and what can’t they do — within the case of a nuclear leak or assault?

Potassium iodide, or KI, gives particular safety towards one sort publicity. It prevents the thyroid — a hormone-producing gland within the neck — from selecting up radioactive iodine, which might be launched into the ambiance in a nuclear accident.

This radioactive materials can enhance the chance of thyroid most cancers if it will get into the physique, for instance by respiration it in or consuming contaminated meals. It’s particularly harmful for youngsters, and its well being dangers can final for a few years after publicity, in line with the World Well being Group.

Iodine tablets work by filling up the thyroid with a secure model of iodine in order that the radioactive sort can’t get in. If the thyroid is already full of potassium iodide, it received’t have the ability to choose up the dangerous iodine that’s left after a nuclear accident.

The drugs are low-cost and bought all around the world, and lots of international locations, together with the U.S., stockpile them.

However potassium iodide doesn’t defend towards other forms of radioactive threats. A nuclear bomb, for instance, can launch many various sorts of radiation and radioactive materials that may hurt many components of the physique.

Well being authorities warning that potassium iodide ought to solely be taken in sure nuclear emergencies, and works greatest if it’s taken near the time of publicity. It shouldn’t be taken as a safety measure forward of time.

Potassium iodide doses can include some unwanted side effects like rash, irritation or an upset abdomen. These over 40 years previous typically shouldn’t take iodine tablets until their anticipated publicity may be very excessive, in line with tips from the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration.

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The Related Press Well being and Science Division receives help from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Division of Science Training. The AP is solely liable for all content material.