Potassium Iodide Pills are a great preparedness item if you are concerned about nuclear emergencies. They are cost effective, lightweight, and handy to have on hand if a public order is given to take them, so you do not need to go to a potentially crowded/overwhelmed distribution center. Potassium Iodide Pills are a proven way to reduce the risk of certain cancers after radiological emergencies.
What do Potassium Iodide Pills do?
Potassium Iodide is chemically known as KI and is a salt of stable iodine. Our bodies need small amounts of of stable iodine for our thyroid glands to function properly. If taken just prior, or shortly after, a radiological disaster it can block the thyroid glands from absorbing harmful radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine is often present in the water and air after some nuclear emergencies and can cause cancer and other conditions if absorbed. Children are especially at risk of developing thyroid cancer later in life if they were exposed to radioactive iodine in their youth. Because of this, children, pregnant women, and teens are usually given priority when administering potassium iodide.
If Potassium Iodide is taken, it is absorbed by the thyroid gland, effectively ‘filling it up’ to capacity and blocking harmful iodine from being absorbed. Your body then excretes the radioactive iodine harmlessly through your waste.
Will Potassium Iodide protect me completely in a nuclear emergency?
Unfortunately, potassium iodide is not a silver bullet offering 100% protection from all types of radiation (wouldn’t that be cool?) It only protects the thyroid gland, and only from radioactive iodines that have been inhaled or ingested. The most common way to be exposed to radioactive iodine is from emissions created during accidents at nuclear power plants, though they can also be released when a nuclear bomb is detonated.
If a nuclear emergency occurs, you will probably be notified promptly by officials through TV, radio, and social media. The best course is to listen to directions and take potassium iodide as directed. Potassium iodide pills are not a substitute for evacuation or proper sheltering in place procedures.
Are there risks when taking potassium iodide pills?
Potassium Iodide is generally considered a very low-risk medication, and the odds of side effects in healthy individuals is low. As with all medications, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before preparing with potassium iodide, especially if you have a pre-existing condition that effects your thyroid. Emergency officials agree that “the overall benefit during a nuclear emergency outweighs the risks of side effects.” These potential, usually mild, side effects include gastrointestinal effects or hypersensitivity reaction.
Where can I get Potassium Iodide Pills?
Look no further! Total Prepare offers RadBlock Potassium Iodide Pills here. The tablets have a 12 year shelf life and are a great way to gain peace of mind for those concerned about nuclear emergencies. RadBlock pills have been produced since 2003 and are Health Canada approved. This brand is the trusted go-to for many Canadian nuclear power organizations and providers, such as Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power, and the Canadian Government.
