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Should
a nuclear power plant emergency occur that involves a release
of radiation, local and state officials may ask citizens to
evacuate or shelter-in-place as the primary public safety
measure. Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets can be taken as a supplemental
protective measure.
Potassium
iodide is not an "anti-radiation" pill. It is only
a supplemental protective measure, secondary to evacuation
or sheltering in place. Evacuation and sheltering in place
remain the primary protective actions during a radiological
emergency. Potassium
iodide protects the thyroid gland against exposure to radioactive
iodine in the unlikely event of a radiation release from a
nuclear power plant emergency. If taken in an appropriate
and timely dosage, potassium iodide can block exposure of
the thyroid gland to radioactive iodine. However, potassium
iodide does not protect other parts of the body from exposure
to other contaminants released during the emergency.
Potassium
iodide should only be taken after specific instruction by
a state or local public health official.
Additional
information is available on the Governors' Office of Emergency
Services website at: www.oes.ca.gov.
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How
Much
Potassium Iodide (KI) to Take
One
Tablet = 130 milligrams of KI
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| Adults
18 Years and Older |
One
Tablet |
| Pregnant
or Nursing Women |
One
Tablet |
| Adolescents
12-18 Years Old |
Half
to One Tablet* |
| Children
3-13 Years Old |
Half
Tablet |
| Children
1 Mo. to 3 Years Old |
Quarter
Tablet |
| Infants,
Birth to 1 Month |
Eighth
Tablet |
*
Adolescents approaching adult size (equal to or greater
than 150 pounds) should receive the full adult dose.
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Frequently
Asked Questions:
Who can take potassium iodide?
Most people can take potassium iodide without side effects.
A small number of people could have an adverse reaction. Anyone
with an existing thyroid gland condition or anyone allergic
to iodine or shellfish should NOT take it. Consult
your physician if unsure whether you should take potassium
iodide.
Is
taking potassium iodide mandatory?
No. The use of potassium iodide is voluntary. No one is required
to accept it or use it.
Potassium
iodide can be purchased in some local pharmacies or ordered
from several commercial manufactures by telephone, mail, or
via the Internet. You may call for information regarding an
FDA approved product; "Iosat" (Anbex, Inc.), 1-866-463-6754.
For
more information contact:
Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
3650 Schriever Avenue
Mather, CA 95655
1-916-845-8500
www.oes.ca.gov
www.fda.gov
www.nrc.gov
www.anbex.com
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation
and Research, Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis.
FDA,
Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in
Radiation Emergencies, December 2001.
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