Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
in nuclear explosions, and when unsuspecting people drink contaminated water, or eat contam-
inated food, radioactive iodine tends to be absorbed into the thyroid gland, leading to long-term
generation of thyroid cancers and tumors. Potassium iodide (KI) treatments effectively saturate
the thyroid with clean non-radioactive iodine so the body will not absorb radioactive iodine in-
to the thyroid. A prescription is not necessary to obtain KI tablets, and they are available at
many pharmacies and online locations. KI tablets are quite stable. They have an official shelf
life of seven years, but in truth should last indefinitely.
Caution:
Potassium iodide will not prevent or treat radiation-sickness symptoms. Its sole
use is as a prophylactic to help prevent the long-term development of thyroid tumors due to the
absorption of radioactive iodine, and must be administered during the period of exposure to ra-
dioactive materials, and preferably starting before exposure (it will do no good if administered
later).
Table 17-2. FDA Potassium Iodide Dosage Guidelines
Adults and children over 150 lbs. 130mg
Children aged 3 to 18 (under 150 lbs.) 65mg
Young children (1 year to 3 years) 32mg
Young children (1 month to 1 year) 32mg
Infants (birth through 1 month) 16mg
(Source: FDA guidelines, effective as of 2005, courtesy of Anbex, Inc., manufacturer of IOSA KI tablets)
Prussian Blue
Since the 1960s, Prussian blue, originally made from Prussian blue dye, is a medicine that has
been used to treat people contaminated with radioactive cesium or thallium. Prussian blue binds
to these materials in the body, effectively acting as a chelating agent, helping the body to dump
these materials into the intestine for elimination at about four times the rate that would natur-
ally occur. Therefore, the use of Prussian blue decreases the amount of time the body will be
subject to potentially damaging levels of these harmful materials. Unlike KI tablets, Prussian
blue is a prescription-only medication designed to treat a specific type of contamination after it
has occurred. The CDC has included Prussian blue in the Strategic National Stockpile, a special
collection of drugs and medical supplies the CDC keeps on hand for times of national emer-
gency. Prussian blue could be particularly helpful for treating people contaminated by a “dirty
bomb” detonation.
Herbal and Alternative Remedies and Supplements
