The risk of nuclear accidents is increasing day by day, and the European Commission, instead of engaging in dialogue, thinks about saving citizens by stockpiling iodine.
Nearly 3 million potassium iodide tablets have already been delivered to Ukraine, to ‘protect people from the harmful effects of radiation.’ (1)
We march for peace and sign the petition for the Italian government to immediately stop participating in the conflict by sending weapons. However, we also prepare ourselves to protect our loved ones by knowing what to prepare and what to do in case of a nuclear alert (2) but also how much iodine to take.
1) Nuclear accidents and iodine supply.
1.1) Radiation and the thyroid gland
WHO updated in 2017 the guidelines on iodine to be taken in case of nuclear accidents. (3) During a nuclear accident, radioactive iodine can be released in a plume-such as volcanic plumes, which can be as high as 80 kilometers (ESA)-and contaminate the environment up to hundreds and/or thousands of kilometers away (so-called fallout).
Inhalation of contaminated air and ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water can expose internal organs to radiation and absorption of radioactive iodine, mainly through the thyroid gland. In fact, the thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones and does not distinguish radioactive iodine from stable iodine.
1.2) Function of iodine
Stable iodine intake, within 24 hours before or at the beginning of exposure to radioactive iodine, saturates the thyroid gland and blocks the uptake of radioactive iodine. Thus effectively reducing internal thyroid exposure.
Oral administration of stable iodine, together with food and drinking water control, is considered an appropriate strategy to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes in people exposed to radioactive iodine.
2) Iodine to be taken in case of nuclear accident
The ready availability of iodine is critical, in the emergency. Even so, tablets are the most recommended format. In any case, high doses of iodine should be avoided outside of emergencies.
2.1) When
Iodine should be taken only in the emergency phase. Less than 24 hours before and preferably within 2 hours, maximum 8, after exposure to radiation. Priority should be given to preventing exposure to radioactive iodine. (2)
One should avoid taking iodine, conversely, after 24 hours following exposure to radiation. Because in that case the harms are greater than the benefits, as the biological half-life of the radioactive iodine accumulated in the thyroid is prolonged.
2.2) How many times
Stable iodine administration is usually sufficient. Where exposure to radioactive iodine is prolonged beyond 24 hours (or is otherwise significant, as in the case of continuously exposed emergency workers),
– young adults only-excluding children, pregnant and lactating women, and those over 60-should take a second dose of stable iodine.
Children and young adults should be given preference if doses are limited.
2.3) Forms and formats
Potassium iodide (KI) is the most widely used form of iodine. Other forms-such as potassium iodate (KIO3)-are viable alternatives, with care taken to take the recommended amounts of iodine (see next section). In tablets, powder or liquid solution.
The tablet format is preferable, if the individual does not have swallowing problems, because it is better distributed and causes fewer gastrointestinal irritation problems. As well as being able to be preserved for a long time. (3) Tablets can also be crushed and mixed with some foods (e.g., fruit juice, jam, milk).
2.4) Doses
Iodine intakes vary according to age and size, as shown in the table below.
2.5) Side effects
Side effects are rare and include iodine-induced hyper- or hypothyroidism and allergic reactions. More severe reactions are sialadenitis (an inflammation of the salivary gland), gastrointestinal pain, and skin rashes.
More rarely, major complications such as dermatitis herpetiformis or hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis have been observed, especially in subjects with previous thyroid disorders.
In cases of thyroid hypersensitivity, simultaneous intake of potassium perchlorate is a solution to suppress iodineuptake. Iodine products with dyes should be avoided to reduce the risk of possible allergic reactions.
#NotInOurName
Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna
Notes
(1) European Commission. EU develops strategic reserves for chemical, biological and radio-nuclear emergencies. Press release. 6.4.22, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_2218
(2) Dario Dongo. Nuclear explosions, preparation and vademecum. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 3/26/22, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/sicurezza/esplosioni-nucleari-preparazione-e-vademecum
(3) FAO (2017). Iodine thyroid blocking: Guidelines for use in planning and responding to radiological and nuclear emergencies. ISBN: 978 92 4 155018 5, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550185
(4) Iodine tablets (e.g., potassium iodide, potassium iodate)-when stored in airtight packaging, in a cool, dry place (not exposed to light, heat and moisture)-have a shelf-life of about 5 years.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Food Technologies and Biotechnologies, qualified food technologist, he follows the research and development area. With particular regard to European research projects (in Horizon 2020, PRIMA) where the FARE division of WIISE Srl, a benefit company, participates.
