Prepare for a Nuclear Emergency With Thyrosafe Potassium Iodide Ki Tablets

By: Grace Kliewer

There are more than 95 nuclear reactors in the United States alone. If you live in the midwest or on the east coast, chances are your home is somewhat close to a nuclear reactor. Though they are spread all throughout the U.S., the most congested areas are at higher risk for exposure to radioactive iodine and thyroid cancer later in life. Although large-scale nuclear accidents are rare, in the event of an emergency, preparation is crucial.

The World Health Organization describes radioactive iodine’s two forms of exposure. The first is external exposure, meaning that the release of a cloud can contaminate anything in open air like food, water, surfaces, soil, and skin. Internal exposure makes a person infinitely more vulnerable: breathing contaminated air or ingesting contaminated food and water will trigger irradiation in the body. Irradiation happens when radioactive iodine enters the body and accumulates on the thyroid gland. The gland then absorbs it as it cannot differentiate between radioactive and non-radioactive iodine.

The thyroid gland is at significant risk because of its need for stable iodine levels to regulate metabolism. Chances of developing thyroid cancer are heightened when the thyroid exceeds the threshold for iodine uptake, especially in children and pregnant women.

Introducing Thyrosafe Potassium Iodide Ki Tablets

If a severe nuclear accident occurs, government officials advise families within the 10-mile EPZ to take a dosage of potassium iodide. The Thyrosafe potassium iodide Ki tablet is an FDA-approved and rigorously tested solution for iodine-based poisoning. The FDA has only approved a select few potassium iodide tablets on the market. Thyrosafe potassium iodide Ki tablets are distributed through Amazon and additional internet resellers.

What this tablet does is saturate the thyroid gland in its non-radioactive iodine. This prevents the absorption and storage of radioactive iodine in the thyroid. Contaminated food and water will not pose a threat to health if taken within the correct time frame.

Timing is critical when it comes to emergency preparedness during a nuclear accident. When instructed by government officials, efficacy of the tablets is at its peak when taken shortly before or at the time of exposure. Effectiveness is reduced by half if intake is four hours succeeding exposure. One dosage only provides 24 hours of protection.

It is vital to stay tuned into government advisories concerning additional doses. Continue to take one dose per day as instructed by the local government and until the threat ceases.

A nuclear reactors’ toxin release can reach up to 200 miles. This is why even in regions like the west coast and midwest where plants are less sprinkled, individuals should still be prepped with Ki tablets. Action is not restricted to anyone within a 10-mile radius of the plant.

Dosage varies by age group. The FDA recommends that children in the 3-18 year age bracket take one 65mg tablet. Children between one month and three years are to take a half tablet. Infants less than one month old should consume a 1/4th of a 65mg tablet crushed into a fine powder for easier ingestion. Pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as young children are at higher risk of thyroid cancer and should be a priority in dosage administration.

The Thyrosafe website shares simplistic guidelines for people taking the potassium iodide tablet. However, they offer an external link to the FDA’s more involved guide on threshold thyroid radioactive exposures and recommended doses of KI for different risk groups.

Some Things To Be Aware of When Taking Ki Tablets

The Thyrosafe potassium iodide Ki tablet only protects against radioactive iodine and only provides protection for the thyroid. The tablet does not block effects of other radioactive chemicals. For additional protection, the Uzima Z-RO System filters radioactive materials and microorganisms out of unclean water, making it safe to drink.

It is an anticipatory pill that does not serve as a treatment for preexisting radiation exposure. 

Radioactive iodine will still enter the body, but taking the tablet will prevent it from building up on the thyroid gland. When the thyroid reaches the threshold for iodine uptake, the rest of it, radioactive or not will be flushed through the urinary tract.

Those 40 and under are strongly advised to take the tablet. Individuals over the age of 40 are not prone to thyroid cancer through radiation exposure. People with certain medical conditions are advised to meet with their healthcare provider and discuss if Ki is safe to take.

Side effects seen in people who take Ki are rare and mild if any. Only 3% experience stomach upset, 1% mild skin rash, and 1% other mild symptoms. Reactions range depending on prescribed dosage. Excessive intake can cause severe illness or death, so don’t take more than recommended.

With all that being said, Thyrosafe potassium iodide Ki tablets are just one way you can protect yourself and your family during a radiological crisis. The WHO has safeguards in place for nuclear emergency preparedness. Additional government guidelines should be  followed to ensure maximum protection.

The Future of Emergency Preparedness

In high-risk events like nuclear accidents or threats, emergency preparedness guides families to take the correct precautions given the situation. Power plant Incidents like Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, or Chernobyl and Fukushima as more disastrous examples, have shown their effects on land and population over years of recovery. These disasters are evidence of the long-term impact a nuclear accident has on the earth and health of the public. 

Though the possibility of one is rare, taking the extra step to stay informed and buy a commercial tablet can make all the difference. The Thyrosafe potassium iodide Ki tablet is one way to protect health in an unpredictable and fast moving event. 

Stay informed, and stay prepared.

Cameron Barnes

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