subject: Radioactive Iodine and Potassium Iodide (KI) [print this page] Radioactive Iodine and Potassium Iodide (KI)
The recent event at the Japan Fukushima nuclear plant has raised concerns about nuclear awareness not only in Japan but also here in the U.S. Most Americans are not aware of radiation fallout and its possible long-term effects on human life. In fact, most people do not fully understand that certain radioactive particles that are produced from a nuclear disaster can travel thousands of miles and still be toxic to human life and the environment. So what are these radioactive particles produced from nuclear reactors and how do they affect us?
Radioactive particles produced from nuclear reactions, can be absorbed through inhalation and the skin, and depending on the length and intensity of exposure, can be deadly. Given a high-enough level of radiation exposure, it is possible to develop serious medical conditions ranging from thyroid cancer, tumors, acute leukemia to eye diseases, mental disorders and even genome lesions. Ifthebody sustains a massive dose of radiation within a very short time, then the results can be deadly within hours or days. The four most harmful radioactive particles to humans released by nuclear activity are Iodine-131, Iodine-133, Cesium-137, and Strontium-90.
The most imminent dangerous radioactive particle to humans is Iodine. Radioactive Iodine enters the body either by breathing or inhalation. Thyroid cancer can occur if there is prolong exposure to the radioisotopes Iodine-131 and Iodine-133. When any form of Iodine is inhaled it quickly travels through the body where it is absorb by the thyroid. There it is processed and then travels to other organs in the body. Potassium Iodide can block the absorption of radioactive Iodine and further the Iodide ion in KI can bind to the isotopes, which can then be excreted from the body.
The oral intake of potassium Iodide either in pill form (130mg) or in liquid form (65mg/ml) has been approved by the FDA as an effective health protocol to prevent radioactive Iodine uptake in adult humans. Children under 18 and infants are to take lower dosages. One dose will provide protection for 24 hours and must be started with prior notice of possible exposure or shortly after exposure in order to be 100% effective.
Currently, there is no preventive method or procedure to block the effects of cesium-137 or Strontium-90 on human physiological processes that once in the body accumulate in the bone tissue. The best thing to do upon exposure is to immediately changed clothes (clothes can be wash to remove containments) and wash the whole body with soap and water. Brushing and rinsing mouth with a clean source of water should also be done.
