What To Do, and something NOT to Rely On, in case of a Nuclear Disaster:

 

Hi folks! A while back we posted the availability of “Nuke Pills” with an order going to YFSM. Afterwards a discussion (a friendly one!) ensued about the usefulness of said “Nuke Pills”. A member of our DISTRICT 10 is a retired nuclear physicist and researcher for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (he had a lot to do with creating the “Atomic Museum” in Las Vegas which, by all accounts, is a fascinating place to visit https://www.atomicmuseum.vegas/ ). During his career he has focused a lot of attention on the effects of nuclear fallout, and sent us a bit of what he has found on “Nuke Pills”. This is for your education only, so you can decide what you get to do about it…it is in NO WAY a refutation of anyone making said pills available. We deeply appreciate all and any of those who make it easier to obtain food storage or preparedness items. Before I copy/paste the findings below, here is a link that should help you know what to do in case of nuclear fallout (one thing our researcher mentioned is that you DO NOT eat or drink ANYTHING that has fallout on or in it…so there goes your garden! 😉 ). I encourage you to look up other resources and feel free to share in the comments:

Link:

https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness/in-radiological-emerg.html

Letter:

Commentary on taking Potassium Iodide (KI) as a so-called NUKE pill.

By Bruce W. Church

Following is helpful Information from a number of sources.

1 - The following is taken from the CDC web site:

Potassium Iodide (KI) is not an ‘Anti-radiation’ Drug!

KI will not protect you from the Health Effects of a Nuclear Bomb Explosion!

Why KI will not Help in a Nuclear Bomb Emergency

·        Radiation from radioactive fallout is the biggest threat to your health after a nuclear detonation (explosion). Fallout is made up of hundreds of types of radioactive materials.

·        KI protects only your thyroid after breathing, eating, or drinking something that is contaminated with high amounts of one type of radioactive material: radioactive iodine (I-131).

·        There is a relatively small amount of radioactive iodine in fallout compared to other types of radioactive materials that can cause harm just by external exposure. KI would not protect you against the harmful health effects of any radioactive materials other than radioactive iodine.

·        If you were in a situation to take in enough radioactive iodine for KI to be helpful, you would have been exposed to deadly levels of external radiation from fallout.

 

2 - The following if from the Health Physics Society web site:

Is Potassium Iodide a “Magic Bullet” for Radiation Exposure?

Potassium iodide can provide important protection for one organ from radiation due to one radionuclide. It can only provide protection for the thyroid gland from an intake of radioiodine. It doesn't have any value in protecting other organs of the body or in providing protection from radiation from other radioactive nuclides. For example, potassium iodide has no protective value from a "dirty bomb" or a dispersion of spent nuclear fuel. Here's why.

This simple salt, potassium iodide (KI), has received much attention lately, being featured on news programs, in news magazines, and even on eBay. But some of the claims and reports give misleading information about this salt's effects on the body and its role in radiation safety. So, what is KI and how can it help?

The compound KI is routinely added to table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), to iodize the salt. Iodine is an element that is taken from the bloodstream by the thyroid gland and is necessary for its proper functioning. The thyroid gland does not discriminate between radioactive and nonradioactive iodine.

KI has been erroneously represented as a "magic bullet" of radiation protection. KI, if taken properly, only protects against internal radiation from radioiodine taken into the body. It will NOT protect against external radiation or internal radiation from radionuclides other than radioiodine. This salt, if taken either before or very soon after a radioiodine intake and if taken in the proper dose, will block the uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid. KI can be in the form of a pill or a supersaturated solution. The recommended daily dosage for an adult is 130 milligrams. If the thyroid absorbs all the iodine that it needs from the nonradioactive KI, then the radioactive iodine will not be absorbed and will be eliminated from the body mostly by way of the urine. Reducing the amount of radioiodine absorbed in the thyroid will reduce the dose received by the thyroid, thereby reducing the risks of thyroid cancer. Even though there have been minimal side effects (e.g., gastrointestinal effects or rashes) from the use of KI, this substance should only be taken on the advice of health care providers. Again, KI will only help reduce the effects of radioiodine taken into the body and not from other radionuclides.

The only possible sources of large radioiodine releases are from a nuclear weapons denotation and a catastrophic accident in an operating nuclear reactor. Therefore, KI has no protective value from a "dirty bomb" or a dispersion of spent nuclear fuel.

3 - Iodine And Potassium Iodide (Strong Iodine) (Oral Route)

Side Effects Information from the Mayo Clinic

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.  Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

·        Hives

·        joint pain

·        swelling of the arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, and/or throat

·        swelling of the lymph glands

With long-term use

·        Burning of mouth or throat

·        confusion

·        headache (severe)

·        increased watering of mouth

·        irregular heartbeat

·        metallic taste

·        numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

·        soreness of teeth and gums

·        stomach upset

·        symptoms of head cold

·        unusual tiredness

·        weakness or heaviness of legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

·        Diarrhea

·        nausea or vomiting

·        stomach pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: Nov. 01, 2022

4 -  From SARI (Scientists for Accurate Radiation Information) members

National Research Council 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.  (Summary points; p. 67)

 "The risk of thyroid carcinoma in adults exposed to radioactive iodine in fallout is very low and can be assumed to be absent for adults over 40 years old although at very high doses there is a risk of hypothyroidism."

Antone Brooks – “During the Chernobyl reactor accident substantial quantities of radioiodine was released.  The population of Pripyat (a closed city to support the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant) which was officially proclaimed a city in 1979 and had grown to a population of 49,360 by the time it was evacuated on the afternoon of 27 April 1986, one day after the Chernobyl disaster (and remains abandoned).  As a result, the population received substantial doses of radioactive materials, including radioiodine.  For the children of Pripyat and near environs the ensuing health investigations found that about 7,000 children developed thyroid cancer.  Of these 7,000 only 10 children died from cancer.

There was no thyroid, leukemia or bone cancer found in adults.

Commentary compiled by Bruce W. Church 17 November 2022