Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident

Radioactive iodines are produced during the operation of nuclear power plants andduring the detonation of nuclear weapons. In the event of a radiation incident,radioiodine is one of the contaminants that could be released into the environment.Exposure to radioiodine can lead to radiation injury to the thyroid, including thyroidcancer. Radiation to the thyroid from radioiodine can be limited by taking a nonradioactiveiodine (stable iodine) such as potassium iodide. This book assesses strategiesfor the distribution and administration of potassium iodide (KI) in the event of anuclear incident. The report says that potassium iodide pills should be available toeveryone age 40 or younger—especially children and pregnant and lactatingwomen—living near a nuclear power plant. States and municipalities should decidehow to stockpile, distribute, and administer potassium iodide tablets, and federalagencies should keep a backup supply of tablets and be prepared to distribute themto affected areas.