Should a nuclear power plant emergency occur that involves a release of radiation, local and state officials may ask citizens to evacuate or shelter-in-place as the primary public safety measure. Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets can be taken as a supplemental protective measure.

Potassium iodide is not an "anti-radiation" pill. It is only a supplemental protective measure, secondary to evacuation or sheltering in place. Evacuation and sheltering in place remain the primary protective actions during a radiological emergency. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland against exposure to radioactive iodine in the unlikely event of a radiation release from a nuclear power plant emergency. If taken in an appropriate and timely dosage, potassium iodide can block exposure of the thyroid gland to radioactive iodine. However, potassium iodide does not protect other parts of the body from exposure to other contaminants released during the emergency.

Potassium iodide should only be taken after specific instruction by a state or local public health official.

Additional information is available on the Governors' Office of Emergency Services website at: www.oes.ca.gov.

Liquid KI Info Here

Information regarding liquid potassium iodide can be obtained from your physician and is also available on the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp

ThryoShield:

http://www.thyroshield.com/WhatIs/Advantages.htm

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can take potassium iodide?
Most people can take potassium iodide without side effects. A small number of people could have an adverse reaction. Anyone with an existing thyroid gland condition or anyone allergic to iodine or shellfish should NOT take it. Consult your physician if unsure whether you should take potassium iodide.

Is taking potassium iodide mandatory?
No. The use of potassium iodide is voluntary. No one is required to accept it or use it.

Potassium iodide can be purchased in some local pharmacies or ordered from several commercial manufactures by telephone, mail, or via the Internet. You may call the following numbers for information regarding FDA approved products;

• Iosat (Anbex, Inc.), 1-866-463-6754.
• Thyroshield, (636) 343-8200

For more information contact:

Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
3650 Schriever Avenue
Mather, CA 95655
1-916-845-8500
www.oes.ca.gov

www.fda.gov

www.nrc.gov

www.anbex.com

www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp

www.thyroshield.com/WhatIs/Advantages.htm

References

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis.

FDA, Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies, December 2001.