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Potassium
Iodide Anti-Radiation Pill FAQ & iodine sources |
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Last Updated: May 14th, 2001 | |
SOURCES: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, New England Journal of Medicine, Nuclear War Survival Skills, National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Federal Register, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Institute, Morton® Salt, Solgar®, American Thyroid Association, Physicians for Civil Defense, The United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., USP Drug Research and Testing Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Health Physics Journal, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, World Health Organization, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, United States Disaster Preparedness Institute (Forward additional relevant resources or suggestions for this FAQ to:webmaster@ki4u.com) |
DUE TO THE
LARGE SIZE OF THE FAQ, THIS IS PART 2.
PART 1 IS HERE OR SIMPLY CLICK ON ANY TOPIC LINK ABOVE.
A: American families today must seek out and acquire their own personally-held supply of Potassium Iodide (KI) or Potassium Iodate (KIO3), or risk unnecessary radioactive iodine contamination in a future nuclear radiation emergency. (And, remember, it's our children that are at the greatest risk of experiencing high levels of thyroid cancer following such a nuclear radiation event.)
There are only three U.S. non-prescription OTC
Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets available (IOSAT™, THYRO-BLOCK™, RAD BLOCK™), and one Potassium Iodate (KIO3) tablet source (Medical Corps) along with a handful of
retailers carrying some of these products.
(Although anyone can purchase the active ingredient in KI tablets,
USP grade Potassium Iodide, to prepare
a simple KI solution equally as effective.) This, like
any insurance, must be purchased and in-hand before an emergency
need. (After Three Mile Island and Chernobyl all available supplies
disappeared for months, almost overnight!) Sources, final delivered costs, shipping times below. |
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SOURCE | FORMULATION | SHIPPING | COST (incl s/h) |
PER DOSE $ COST |
IOSAT™ Tablets (Delivered Prices incl. their shipping & handling) |
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IOSAT™ Watertanks.com |
130 mg. KI per tablet, 14 foil wrapped tablets per packet (Total of 14 tablets) | "2-7 days" | $21.95 UPS ground |
$1.57 per 130 mg tablet |
IOSAT™ Anbex |
130 mg. KI per tablet, 14 foil wrapped tablets per packet (Total of 14 tablets) | "Orders received by Anbex can normally be expected to be shipped within 10 days, but in no case later than 30 days." | $14.00* Regular Mail |
$1.00* per 130 mg tablet |
* Flat-rate shipping charge for Anbex ($4.00). Buying seven of their packets (Total of 98 tablets) as single order would result in reduced per dose costs: | $74.00 Regular Mail |
76 ¢ per 130 mg tablet |
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IOSAT™ KI4U Specials |
130
mg. KI per tablet, 14 foil wrapped tablets per packet, KI4U 7 packet special |
"Shipped Same Day" | $64.00 USPS Priority Mail |
65 ¢ per 130 mg tablet |
THYRO-BLOCK™ Tablets (Delivered Prices incl. their shipping & handling) |
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THYRO-BLOCK™ Emergency Essentials |
130 mg. KI per tablet, 14 tablets per bottle, 1 bottle (Total of 14 tablets) | Not stated. | $18.50* UPS ground |
$1.32* per 130 mg tablet |
* Flat-rate shipping charge for Emergency Essentials ($12). Buying seven of their bottles (Total of 98 tablets) as single order would result in reduced per dose costs: | $57.50 UPS ground |
59 ¢ per 130 mg tablet |
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THYRO-BLOCK™ Nitro-Pak |
130 mg. KI per tablet, 14 tablets per bottle, 7 bottle special (Total of 98 tablets) | "Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery." | $55.90 UPS ground |
57 ¢ per 130 mg tablet |
THYRO-BLOCK™ Outdoor Depot |
130 mg. KI per tablet, 14 tablets per bottle, 7 bottle special (Total of 98 tablets) | Not stated. | $49.95 UPS ground |
51 ¢ per 130 mg tablet |
THYRO-BLOCK™ KI4U Specials |
130 mg. KI per tablet, 14 tablets per bottle, 7 bottle special (Total of 98 tablets) | "Shipped Same Day" | $43.00 USPS Priority Mail |
44 ¢ per 130 mg tablet |
RAD BLOCK™ Tablets (Delivered Prices incl. their shipping & handling) |
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RAD BLOCK™ KI4U Specials |
65 mg. KI per coated tablet, 2 tablets is adult dose, 200 tablets per bottle, (Total of 100 adult doses.) | "Shipped Same Day" | $16.50 USPS Priority Mail |
16.5 ¢ per 2 65 mg tablets |
Larger Quantity Discounts: 5 bottles (500 adult doses) at $13.00/bottle delivered. Additional quantity discounts on KI4U Specials order page Product Information Guide (incl. with each bottle) here. |
$65.00 USPS Priority Mail |
13 ¢ per 2 65 mg tablets |
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Potassium Iodate (KIO3) Tablets (Delivered Prices incl. their shipping & handling) |
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Medical Corps KIO3 KI4U Specials |
85 mg. Potassium Iodate (KIO3), 2 tabs is adult dose, 200 tablets per bottle, (Total of 100 adult doses.) | "Shipped Same Day" | $19.50 USPS Priority Mail |
19.5 ¢ per 2 85 mg tablets |
Larger Quantity Discounts: 5 bottles (500 adult doses) at $17.00/bottle delivered. Additional quantity discounts on KI4U Specials order page. KIO3 research and product details immediatly below here |
$85.00 USPS Priority Mail |
17 ¢ per 2 85 mg tablets |
Know any other Potassium Iodide (KI) sources we can add above? Or, if you run into any problems with any of these sources not having Potassium Iodide (KI) in-stock, or 'bait-n-switching', or prices or shipping higher/lower than stated above, please do everyone a favor and let us know at webmaster@ki4u.com. |
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Type "Subscribe" In 'Subject' Of This e-mail!
A: Potassium Iodate (KIO3), offered in an 85 mg tablet (200 tablets to a bottle), is the 'cousin' of Potassium Iodide (KI). This is the 'new kid on the block' commercially offered here in the U.S. for preventative thyroid blocking of radioiodine. With its extra molecule of oxygen, making it KIO3, its U.S. manufacturer, Medical Corps, claims it is/has...
The recently updated 1999 World Health Organization: Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear Accidents shows both Potassium Iodide (KI) and KIO3 as equals in regards to their bioavailability of stable iodine.
Regarding the extended KIO3 shelf-life; it is more stable as KIO3 is non-hygroscopic (very stable in humid air) where Potassium Iodide (KI) will readily dissolve in water. However, to put this into perspective, Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets sealed in their original packaging have also been tested, many years after it was manufactured and 'expired', and found to be quite stable and maintaining full strength. See Potassium Iodide (KI) stability report below here. Additionally, the recently updated 1999 World Health Organization: Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear Accidents states: "There is no decisive difference in shelf life between KIO3 and KI."
Regarding the lack of a bitter taste; this is quite true, you can actually chew these tablets as they have no taste at all. However, the tablet forms of Potassium Iodide (KI) offered by two of the sources for it (IOSAT™ and THYRO-BLOCK™), are actually quite small, like sublingual nitro pills. For most adults, they should go down quite readily and offer no problems. (Note: A new Potassium Iodide (KI) tablet, RAD BLOCK™ is actually coated to assure no bitterness taste.) However, if even the thought of having to swallow a pill (regardless of the size) is a challenge, and it is for some, this might be a more important feature.
More importantly, though, because the KIO3 formulation (and RAD BLOCK™ KI) requires the taking of two tablets for a complete adult daily dose, children then can more easily be correctly dosed, too, as they will always require less than a full adult dose.
For instance, children age 3-12, who require exactly half of an adult dose, can simply take one single/whole tablet of KIO3 (or RAD BLOCK™) for their required full daily dose. In comparison, the Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets offered by IOSAT™ and THYRO-BLOCK™, where their single tablet is a full adult dose, dosing children would thus require effectively splitting, and sometimes even quartering or eighthing those already tiny tablets and they are also quite bitter. That would certainly make it much harder to quickly and properly dose children, who are always at the greatest risk from radioiodine, both from accurately attaining the proper dose amount and then the need to cover or dilute the bitterness. Especially when everyone concerned would likely be in a very stressful and urgent emergency situation.
Regarding the reduced per dose cost; KIO3, as offered and priced by its manufacturer, is clearly competitive with the available Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets current pricing. (See the comparison chart above, which includes the shipping charges for an actual 'per dose' delivered cost.)
Labeled dosing recommendations for the new Medical Corps KIO3, 200 tablets per bottle (85 mg tablets), closely mirrors the recently updated 1999 World Health Organization: Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear Accidents and are as follows:
Children 3 years to 12 years:
Take: 1 tablet per day for 15 days (minimum) to 85 days
Babies 1 month to 3 years
Take: ½ tablet per day for 15 days (minimum) to 85 days
Newborns to 1 month:
Take: ¼ tablet per day for 15 days (minimum) to 85 days
Pets: for 15 days (minimum) to 85 days
Large Dog-- 1-2 tablets per day
Medium Dog-- 1/2 to 1 tablet per day
Cats-- 1/4 to ½ tablet per day
We are continuing our research into KIO3 and have learned that a number of other countries have been stockpiling it for nuclear emergencies. Among those we've been able to confirm are the United Kingdom and South Africa, where they both utilize KIO3 for protecting their populations surrounding their nuclear power plants.
Information request to the United Kingdom National Radiological Protection Board produced this reply (11/11/99) from Frances A. Fry, Division Head, NRPB:
The use of potassium iodate, rather than iodide, was current practice in the UK. A UK working group on iodine prophylaxis following nuclear accidents concluded that there was no obvious benefit of potassium iodide over potassium iodate. Reference: Department of Health, Report on Health and Social subjects 39, Nuclear Accident Countermeasures: Iodine Prophylaxis, 1991.
Another information request to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) was an inquiry into their preference for having acquired potassium iodide over iodate this past year. The response from Brian Holland, Senior Health Physicist at ANSTO on Mon, 8 Nov 1999 was:
Because KIO3 is new to the U.S. market for this application, compared to Potassium Iodide (KI), we eagerly invite additional submissions of any resources, reports, or authoritative quotes, regarding KIO3 use for radiation protection. We will promptly post, or link to, them all here in this new Potassium Iodate (KIO3) section. Please forward any additional KIO3 documentation to: webmaster@ki4u.com
There are a number of resellers of the Medical Corps KIO3 product on the web, and elsewhere. However, for those choosing KIO3, special arrangements with the manufacturer guarantee the lowest delivered price available here at KI4U.
A: Prepared Potassium Iodide (KI) solutions are only available by prescription, such
as Lugol's Solution. However, anyone can buy Potassium Iodide USP and readily
mix up their own Potassium Iodide (KI) solutions. There are two kinds of Potassium Iodide (KI) solutions that can be made.
Saturated and anything less than saturated.
With a saturated Potassium Iodide (KI) solution you are adding a
little more Potassium Iodide (KI) to a fixed amount of water until some of the crystals or
granules will not dissolve. They will be visible at the bottom of the
solution, even after vigorous mixing. The solution is now considered
saturated when it won't take up and dissolve any more Potassium Iodide (KI).
From Cresson H. Kearny, the author of
Nuclear
War Survival Skills by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, states on
page 114: Experiments with a variety of ordinary household medicine droppers
determined that 1 drop of a saturated solution of potassium iodide contains
from 28 to 36 mg of potassium iodide."
Less than saturated Potassium Iodide (KI) solutions, when properly mixed, should give even more
accurate dosages because there is more solution overall to be measured out
per dose. For example, mixing and dissolving exactly 26 grams of Potassium Iodide USP into
a liter bottle of water, for example, produces 1000 ml of Potassium Iodide
solution with a strength of 130 mg for each 5 ml of that Potassium Iodide (KI) solution. There
are 200 of those 5 ml servings in that 1000 ml (1 liter). 5 ml can be easily and
accurately measured out with a common graduated medicine dropper. 5 ml is also equal
to one measuring teaspoon.
Following the above formula, you could make up most any size and/or strength Potassium Iodide (KI)
solution needed with accurate scales and enough bulk Potassium Iodide (KI).
Regardless of what kind of Potassium Iodide (KI) solution might be utilized, Potassium Iodide (KI) is very bitter.
You must always then mix that dose (whether 4 drops saturated or 5 ml from the
above formula) into another glass of
juice, milk, or, at least, water to dilute it further before drinking.
As with the Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets...NEVER TAKE ANY MEDICINE OR DRUG WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN! YOU COULD HAVE ALLERGIES, OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS, OR REACTIONS TO OTHER MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING, THAT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS OR LIFE THREATENING! ASK YOUR DOCTOR NOW, BEFORE A NUCLEAR EMERGENCY, AND THEN YOU'LL KNOW IF/WHEN IT'S NEEDED! (That's just part of being prepared!)
A:
Jerome A. Halperin, Executive Vice President-CEO of The United States
Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., wrote to the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission on January 30, 1998 of a recent assay of 'expired' Potassium Iodide (KI)
tablets.
The Thyro-Block Tablets (Potassium Iodide Tablets, USP, Lot T242N, Exp.
November 89), after the USP Drug Research and Testing Laboratory analyzed
samples, showed that approximately 11 years after their manufacture and
eight years after their expiry date, the tablets assayed at 99.1% of
the labeled content of potassium iodide. (This result was well within the
rubric range of 92.5 to 107.5% required by the monograph.)
See the complete
letter and laboratory reports here.
(Mr. J. Halperin should know what he is talking about. In 1979, while
deputy director of the Bureau of Drugs of the Food and Drug
Administration, he had directed the effort to get Potassium Iodide Solution,
USP, manufactured and stockpiled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania during the
Three Mile Island incident!)
Also, in conversations with one of the largest Potassium Iodide manufacturers
in the U.S., they shared that the shelf-life of their
USP grade Potassium Iodide (KI), in their original factory drums, was 'indefinite', when kept
dry and at room temperature or below. Furthermore, that the shelf-life of
their USP grade Potassium Iodide (KI) dissolved into a water solution contained in a closed,
dark colored, bottle at room temperature or below, was also 'indefinite'.
It's expected that mandatory USP expiration dating will have them revising
these downward some publicly, but the point is, properly stored, Potassium Iodide (KI) is
inherently very stable. (If you have a need to know the name of this
manufacturer, write: webmaster@ki4u.com)
Q: How Do You Make a Potassium Iodide (KI) Solution?
"To prepare a saturated solution of potassium iodide, fill a bottle about 60% full of crystalline or
granular potassium iodide. (A 2-fluid-ounce bottle, made of dark glass and
having a solid, non-metallic, screwcap top, is a good size for a family.
About 2 ounces of crystalline or granular potassium iodide is needed to
fill a 2-fluid-ounce bottle about 60% full.) Next, pour safe,
room-temperature water into the bottle until it is about 90% full.
Then close the bottle tightly and shake it vigorously for at least 2
minutes. Some of the solid potassium iodide should remain permanently
undissolved at the bottom of the bottle; this is proof that
the solution is saturated.
Two ounces of granulated Potassium Iodide (KI), mentioned above, is about 56.7 grams.
Also, from the above, an adult would be wanting four drops of the saturated
solution as an expedient dosage. This would amount to between 112 to 144 mg
of Potassium Iodide (KI) total.
Q: Long Term Stability of Stocked Potassium Iodide (KI)?
Q: How Much Personally Stocked Potassium Iodide (KI) is Enough?
A: Unfortunately, there is no simple or standard response that could ever be applicable to all American families with their wide variety of concerns, locations, and situations. There are too many variables involved, both in the nature of the possible nuclear radiation threats and your particular family exposure to those threats. | ![]() |
From the following observations, tempered with your own knowledge and understanding, you'll have to try to arrive at a comfortable, prudent balance, tailored to your situation and outlook.
For a single and 'simple' nuclear facility radiation emergency event where a gaseous or aerosol radioiodine is released, and the source is soon contained so as additional radioiodine contamination is not ongoing, and that released radioiodine is soon dispersed, then the FDA Potassium Iodide (KI) product insert statement "You will probably be told not to take the drug for more than 10 days." would be applicable. That amount (10 days of tablets) would be available in any of the products mentioned above.
However, if the radioiodine is, instead, in the form of a particulate or fallout, not a quickly dispersing gas or aerosol, it will continue to be a threat via inhalation (dust) or ingestion (food, milk, etc.) there in the area it's deposited in.
That's why, while radioiodine has a short half-life of only eight days, some have suggested that it could continue to be dangerous for up to as many as ten half-lives...80 days! Staying in, or not being able to get out of, that radioiodine fallout contaminated area will require more than the single bottle, 14 day supply, of Potassium Iodide (KI) per person.
It should be noted that you may also be directed to evacuate the area altogether well before you exhaust your Potassium Iodide (KI) supplies, and should immediately do so if directed, both because of persistent radioiodine and other additional, and very dangerous, radioisotope fallout contaminations in that area.
The absolute minimum protection then, assuming successful evacuation in less than two weeks if needed or directed, would require stocking, at least, one Potassium Iodide (KI) package or bottle of 14 tablets per family member. Again, this is for the above scenario of a one-time 'simple' nuclear facility radiation emergency event and your families safe exit to a non-contaminated location before exhausting your Potassium Iodide (KI) supplies, if required.
Need to give thought here, too, to extended family, friends, neighbors, etc. Either stocking extra Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3 for them or advising them of their need to do so for themselves. (Quick/Easy way to tell your on-line friends and relatives about this FAQ here! You'll then be brought right back here!)
Preparing your family for future nuclear radiation emergencies will be based on your best perception of the possible and probable threats and nature of those nuclear radiation emergencies. You will have to gauge for yourself, and your family, the likely possibility for future nuclear radiation accidents and your families potential exposure to radiation contamination, if/when it occurs.
You also have to make some assumptions regarding the likely nature of those possible future nuclear radiation emergencies from study of current events and reviewing past nuclear radiation emergencies and the governments response. Short term, single event, where the radioiodine is gaseous/aerosol and soon dispersed. Or, something bigger, possibly multiple events, nuclear terrorism and/or ongoing continuing new contaminations.
Additionally, you have to assess the probable threat from nuclear war, either directed at the U.S. or fallout contamination originating from elsewhere in the world. Russia, China, North Korea, Pakistan, India, Middle East, etc. where any of them are exchanging nuclear blasts with any of their neighbors could have the prevailing west-to-east trade winds carrying the resultant radioactive fallout to our shores, too. (See Trans-Pacific Fallout.) You'll have to decide whether that's an impossible scenario in your lifetime, or not. And, prepare accordingly.
In light of all of the above, some civil defense experts recommend Americans should be stocking closer to 100 Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3 doses per family member.
With this in mind, some families nuclear radiation emergency preparations might include a combination of Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3 products. Any of the above packaged or bottled tablets, at least one per family member, for the convenience of each adult member being able to keep some with them for initial and immediate use whenever and wherever they might be when a nuclear emergency is first declared or recognized. (Also, to give immediately to the kids when/if you decide to go and retrieve them from school, etc.) Then, if funds had been snug, they might also have stocked some of the less expensive granular Potassuim Iodide USP for mixing a larger Potassium Iodide (KI) solution for the whole families use for the rest of the duration of the nuclear radiation emergency. (Thus helping to save some of the remaining, and more expensive, Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3 tablets.)
Bottom Line: Everyone will have to decide for themselves, and their families, the possible and probable threats, their personal and families potential exposure to them, and their comfort level to rely solely on outside government solutions to their future nuclear radiation emergencies.
A: The FDA potassium iodide product insert says:
Regarding Nuclear Power Plant Radiation Emergencies:
You might also want to leave yourself the option to discover, learn, and be vigilant for other pending nuclear power plant emergency warning signs to act upon, even before public declarations. For instance, if you have a nuclear plant near you, you probably already know somebody (or at least they know somebody that knows somebody) that works there. Talk to them, ask them how they plan to have their own families get a quick and prompt 'heads-up' if something starts happening. You might even ask to get on their phone list of people to call, it certainly couldn't hurt to ask, and could be a life-saver! | ![]() |
Another opportunity to learn what others are doing locally to keep abreast of any future emergency situations developing at the plant is to seek out the local nuke 'concerned citizens' group. Regardless of their politics, and your affinity to them or not, they may be a great source of contacts, procedures and suggestions for monitoring and reporting on any potential future emergencies brewing inside the plant. (They may even have some simple Radio Shack™ scanner suggestions, like what the news reporters and crime watch folks use, for monitoring plant and local emergency communications yourself in an unfolding emergency.)
You may also have friends (or they may have friends) who are in law enforcement, local emergency/disaster coordinator's office, or other government or emergency services who would be on early call-up lists for any potential problems at the local nuclear plant. Seek them out, too. You may even find a volunteer branch for some of these public safety functions that you could participate in and thus be even closer to the inner circle getting a heads-up to pending news announcements before the general public.
If, by cultivating a network of 'early warning' contacts, you do get indications of a pending announcement of a nuclear emergency being publicly declared soon, then you'll be in the enviable position to immediately launch your families nuclear emergency response plan. Whether you then commence Potassium Iodide treatments for your family, before official public declarations to do so or not, at least you will have earned for them and yourself the opportunity to choose.
You need to be aware, though, that just because there is an alert, unusual event, site area emergency, or even general emergency at a nuclear power plant does not automatically mean that radioactive iodine will be released. You've got to strike the right balance of being alert, informed, and prepared to act.
For individuals not already cautioned not to use Potassium Iodide (KI) (such as those known to be allergic to Iodine, having a medical condition that forbids it, or currently taking another medication(s) that would adversely react with it) the downside of beginning Potassium Iodide (KI) treatment, when later revealed not to have been needed, is statistically minimal. (However, you should always consult your personal physician, well ahead of any potential need for it, to assure that you and your children are unlikely to encounter any problems using it. That's just a part of being truly prepared!) You'll have to balance your final decisions against the potentially deadly downside of not having started early enough to have saturated your thyroid, and your childrens thyroids, with stable iodine to then avoid later uptake of a possible plume of radioactive iodine being carried in on the winds.
There are numerous incidents of nuclear power plant emergency releases of radioiodine that did not also have the public being immediately and effectively notified. You need to do what you can to network yourself into the nuclear plant emergency information loop, closer to the action, to be better assured of a prompt and informed notification.
This author was recently challenged by an employee of the NRC (speaking unofficially)
suggesting it was 'somewhat irresponsible' to be recommending
above here that people should be encouraged to try to
attain information outside and beyond solely relying on the public
warning systems and public notification procedures already in place.
(Especially, didn't like the suggestion of utilizing scanners, where
people might could then be listening in on "...transmissions between
workers at power plants and then drawn their own conclusions from these
discussions.") Specifically because, this person stated: "...at each nuclear power plant, there
is an emergency
notification siren system to alert citizens to a general emergency
condition at a nuclear power plant. local officials will be notified
and will notify citizens."
This author responded:
Got a great insider tip or suggestion for early warning of nuclear
plant impending radiation emergency declaration? Write:
webmaster@ki4u.com and we'll credit
you with it here, or not. |
Regarding Nuclear Explosions Radiation Emergencies:
There is a wealth of early warning nuclear explosion information here on this site at Nuclear War Survival Skills Ch. 2: Warnings and Communications. It covers both strategic and tactical warnings and the effectiveness of in-place public warning systems. Beyond the obvious, it also details recognizable nuclear bomb effects, like bright lights, noise, and wide-spread electrical and communication failures that can alert you to the commencement of hostilities, even well away from your location, too. | ![]() |
Additionally, you should even try to cultivate contacts within the military similar to those you would establish above for early warnings of nuclear power plant emergencies. Once you start inquiring you might be pleasantly surprised to discover who knows who that knows somebody that might help you recognize a 'heads-up' coming or an heightened level of military alert.
And, of course, any close following of world-wide political and current events can reveal increased nuclear saber-rattling with a corresponding increased potential to break out into a nuclear exchange. You need to go beyond just the national media here in America and also explore the international overseas generated news sources. The BBC and some of the translated World News on satellite can give you unfiltered insights into what the governments in the Middle East, or China, Russia, Iraq, and North Korea, etc. are telling their people is important to focus on. It's often insightful 'news' and glimpses of emerging trends that their peoples are being prepped for. It's also routinely overlooked and 'missed' by the general U.S. press.
Also, shortwave listening to worldband broadcasting and discerning use of the internet can connect you with important stories hours, days, and sometimes, even months, before the mainstream press 'discovers' and reports on it. And, often, even when they eventually do report on it, it is a brief overview that doesn't give it the treatment deserved nor adequately reveals the implications of that event or news item. This is especially true in the cases where foreign countries are increasingly belligerent to each other and no US concern or future involvement is readily obvious.
We need to remember, too, that even nuclear war engaged in far from America, with the prevailing west-to-east trade winds, can carry the resultant radioactive fallout to our shores, too. (See Trans-Pacific Fallout.)
Bottom Line: While there may be much to be done in a developing nuclear emergency, evacuation or sheltering, you will also have the choice to commence your families Potassium Iodide protective treatments, early, when they can do the most good, if you've been vigilant and observant of the potential around you for future nuclear threats, here and abroad.
Got a great insider tip or suggestion for early warning of an impending
nuclear attack, nuclear terrorism, or fallout radiation emergency from one,
regardless of where it may have occurred? Write:
webmaster@ki4u.com and we'll credit
you with it here, or not. |
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Type "Subscribe" In 'Subject' Of This e-mail!
A: The FDA potassium iodide product insert says:
However, it must be noted, that radioiodine can be present as a much more persistent fallout, rather than a quickly dispersing gas or aerosol. There are also many other very dangerous radioactive isotopes that can be released during a nuclear emergency for which immediate or subsequent evacuation could be declared, and should be immediately heeded, regardless of radioiodine presence.
So, for how long do you continue to daily take the Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3?
Many believe that you should not stop until you have been, for at least a day or more, out of the possibility to ingest or inhale any more radioiodine. Either because its finally gone or you have gone out of the contaminated area to safer ground.
Why take any more Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3 at all, after getting safe? Because, even after you leave the contaminated area you could still be bringing some radioiodine with you...in your blood. While excess iodine, either stable or radioactive, will be quickly eliminated via the kidneys, you need to assure that your thyroid doesn't fall below fully saturated, until then. For this reason, you should strive to maintain a high blood level of stable iodine, with daily intakes of Potassium Iodide (KI) or KIO3, for at least another day or two.
Related to this topic, some experts reviewing the Chernobyl accident now feel that even much less than 130 mg Potassium Iodide (KI) daily dose works well to initially fill up and saturate the thyroid sufficiently. (FDA, supposedly, now also reviewing modifying its recommendations down to a much lower dose, too, though not for fewer expected total days, currently 10.)
Whether this is true, or not, a person might could go onto a reduced maintenance dosage, at some later stage, for a much longer extended period with a further reduced potential for any negative side effects, too. It should be repeated here, though, many thousands of people, for thyroid ailments, take more than twice the 130 mg Potassium Iodide (KI) dose daily and have for years. There is quite a bit of safe medical history for that particular application. (BTW, those thousands of thyroid patients, with their personal stocks of Potassium Iodide (KI), might could become pretty popular folks in their local neighborhoods, if word gets out during a nuclear emergency!)
Bottom Line: Regardless of our enthusiasm for Potassium Iodide (KI) and KIO3, and their extremely effective and safe track record, we must also say (according to legal eagles): The materials and information on this web site are intended for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. NEVER TAKE ANY MEDICINE OR DRUG WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN! YOU COULD HAVE ALLERGIES, OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS, OR REACTIONS TO OTHER MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING, THAT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS OR LIFE THREATENING! ASK YOUR DOCTOR NOW, BEFORE A NUCLEAR EMERGENCY, AND THEN YOU'LL KNOW IF/WHEN IT'S NEEDED! (That's just part of being really prepared!)
A: The following is from our product description/order page.
The link to it is on our Mission & Product Commitment page.
WHICH PRODUCT TO CHOOSE & HOW MUCH TO STOCK: With offering here all the Potassium Iodide (KI) & KIO3 formulations currently available on the market, and showing you the 'do it yourself' alternatives, too, we are often asked for our 'short answer' or personal opinion of what's really the best and how much should be acquired. Bottom Line: Be assured that they all work, and while the FAQ is lengthy in its exploration of the various potential scenarios requiring different strategies, and quantities of pre-stocked supplies, here's our most concise recommendations: Acquiring some bulk Potassium Iodide (KI), to create a Potassium Iodide (KI) solution, is the cheapest per dose, but not everyone wants to fool with the mixing up of a Potassium Iodide (KI) solution. (Especially now with the introduction of the relatively cheap RAD BLOCK™ and KIO3 tablets.) However, even for those who will mix and use a Potassium Iodide (KI) solution, we still strongly recommend they also acquire some tablets, too, both for their inherent portability and ease of immediate dosing upon the first alert of a nuclear emergency. Among the tablet offerings, the RAD BLOCK™ and KIO3 are clearly the 'best buy', price-wise. More importantly, though, because both the RAD BLOCK™ and KIO3 formulations require the taking of two tablets for a complete adult daily dose, we can then more easily dose our children, too, as they will always require less than a full adult dose. (Ease of quickly and accurately dosing children is essential as it's always our children who are at the greatest risk from radioiodine and its effects.) For instance, children age 3-12, who require exactly half of an adult dose (see chart below), can simply take one single/whole tablet of RAD BLOCK™ or KIO3 for their required full daily dose. In comparison, the Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets offered by IOSAT™ and THYRO-BLOCK™, where their single tablets are already full adult doses, dosing children with them would thus require effectively splitting and, for younger children, even quartering or 'eighthing' those already tiny tablets. And, they are also quite bitter, especially with powder fragments. (RAD BLOCK™ and KIO3 formulations would also require splitting of their tablets for children under the age of three down to one month olds.) Those one-tablet-per-adult dose formulations (IOSAT™ and THYRO-BLOCK™) make it much harder to quickly and properly dose the majority of children, those who are between the ages of 3 - 12. Both, because of the difficulty of quickly and accurately attaining the proper dose amount and then the need to successfully dilute or mask the inherent bitterness of Potassium Iodide (KI) before it will ever be swallowed by a child. This is especially important because that initial first dose is so time sensitive to get it into the bloodstream quickly upon that first alert. Consider, too, that most everyone concerned would also likely be under much stress in a very tense and urgent developing nuclear emergency. Perhaps, too, not even at home, but in your car, or elsewhere, at the time you first hear 'the news'. Of course, if you know for sure that you'll not ever have any children around requiring dosing in an nuclear emergency, then the choice is simply selecting whichever formulation you personally find most convenient and economical. Dosing chart from the recently updated 1999 World Health Organization:
Regarding 'how much to stock': We recommend a minimum of at least 100 daily doses for every person you'll be ultimately responsible for protecting. (Only you can decide if that'll also need to include putting some extra aside for extended family, friends, and neighbors, too. It's unlikely you'll have too much --- when it's needed! Nor will you likely be able to easily get any more!) |
A: The NRC Daily Updated Plant Status Report is at http://www.nrc.gov/NRR/DAILY/psr.htm.
The states with nuclear reactors are listed below here.
To see details of the reactors in your state (or upwind of your location), click the state name.
(Bookmark us first!)
The map below, with more info, is at http://www.nrc.gov/AEOD/pib/disclaimer.html
Another, all North American reactors, with links to many other maps, is here.
Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear Accidents (World Health Organization, hosted here)
Nuclear War Survival Skills (Complete 280 page on-line book referenced above, hosted here)
FEMA Nuclear Weapon Target Maps and Surival Info for each State!
Bruce Beach's Nuclear Survival Ark II Site! (Updated 5/12/2001)
'You Will Survive Doomsday' (A myth-busting eye-opener!)
'11 Steps to Nuclear War Survival' (Canada Emergency Measures Organization)
What's The NRC's "Fighter Jet Rule" on KI? (Expose by 23 year NRC veteran!, hosted here)
Three Mile Island: The Rest of the Story... (Govt. scramble to get KI to TMI)
SECRET FALLOUT Low-Level Radiation From Hiroshima to Three-Mile Island (Complete 270 page on-line book, hosted here)
KI And Nuclear Accidents (American Thyroid Association)
DECADES of DELAY (The NRC's Failure to Stockpile Potassium Iodide & Protect the Public Health and Safety by Public Citizen)
FACT SHEET: Nuclear Power Plant Emergency (FEMA)
International Atomic Energy Agency
Radiation Glossary for Students
CHERNOBYL PLUME: Country-by-Country Summary (Be sure to also check out Canada there, too...)
Dirty Rotten Reactors (TIME EUROPE - September 18, 2000, Vol. 156 No. 12 - While the West phases out nuclear power, Russia refurbishes its old plants and builds new ones...)
The Next Chernobyl? (U.S. News article)
Sickness Surrounds Nation's Nuclear Weapons Complexes (Numerous in-depth articles)
Listings of all known radiation materials locations (by state)
Estimated Exposures and Thyroid Doses Received by the American People from Iodine-131 in Fallout Following Nevada Atmospheric Nuclear Bomb Tests (Full final NCI report download links.)
Results of Nationwide Study of Radioactive Fallout from Nuclear Tests (NCI Press Release)
Official Statement of 'Downwinders' (re: Release of NCI report)
The Nuclear Files (Additional details and fallout maps of US Nuclear Tests)
Critique of NCI Report (by Physicians for Social Responsibility)
In Answer To Your Questions About Thyroid Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
Background Information on Thyroid Cancer and Radiation Risk (National Cancer Institute)
Q & A about radiation & thyroid disease (Hanford Thyroid Disease Study)
Nuclear Fallout, Radiation Exposure, Hanford, Chernobyl and Thyroid Cancer Links (comprehensive)
Radio-Iodine: From Hanford To Chernobyl . . . And Beyond? (Committee for Nuclear Responsibility)
Nuclear Terrorism - Sabotage and Terrorism of Nuclear Power Plants (Former nuclear weapon designer and former Deputy Director of the Defense Nuclear Agency, Ted Taylor says its very easy to turn a nuclear power plant into a nuclear weapon.)
Nukefix (Discussed in the Sept/Oct 2000 issue of The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Encyclopædia Britannica and Newsweek.com describe it as a "superb tool." With it you can perform your own analysis of the nuclear weapons problem.)
Nuclear Blast Mapper Pick your town, choose your A-bomb, and see the blast/fallout effects mapped out!
Nuclear Information and Resource Service (Information and networking center for citizens and environmental organizations concerned about nuclear power, radioactive waste, radiation, and sustainable energy issues.)
Now, Read Here On-Line FREE...
Nuclear War Survival Skills
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