Iodine tablets, a tool in case of nuclear attack

The possibility of a nuclear attack or accident during the conflict in Ukraine has renewed interest in iodine pills, effective in preventing breast cancer thyroid in case of radioactive emissions.

What is iodine (potassium iodide)?

Stable iodine salt is a trace element absolutely necessary for health. It is part of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, located in the front part of the neck, which is what retains inhaled or ingested iodine.

What is the use of ingesting iodine in the event of a nuclear accident?

Stable, ie non-radioactive, iodine tablets protect the thyroid gland against radioactive contamination.

A serious accident at a nuclear facility can lead to an increase in the atmosphere of radioactive iodine. Inhaled or ingested through contaminated food, these radioelements increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

The Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in 1986 caused a major release of iodine 131 and short-lived radioactive iodine. People living in the contaminated areas of Belarus, Ukraine and the western part of the Russian Federation experienced increased cases of thyroid cancer.

To prevent the thyroid gland from retaining radioactive iodine, stable iodine is necessary. If the thyroid gland is saturated with this iodine, the radioactive substances are rapidly excreted through the urine.

Does stable iodine protect you from any danger when you suffer accidental exposure to radioactivity?

“Iodine protects a single organ, the thyroid,” explains the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).

The first protection in case of a nuclear accident is to take shelter, in a solid building.

The drug does not protect against other radioactive elements such as caesium 134 or 137.

Ingestion periods must also be respected.

Potassium iodide tablets are not a radiation vaccine, nor can they become a permanent treatment. Stable iodine tablets should ideally be administered one hour before exposure to radioactivity, or within 6 to 12 hours at the latest.

Its effectiveness is strong if the ingestion is carried out in the two hours prior to the appearance of radioactive iodine in the atmosphere, 50% if the tablet is ingested 6 hours after the onset of contamination.

Later, beyond 24 hours, the side effects are more serious than the benefits.

Iodine tablets can be swallowed with a glass of water or dissolved in a drink. Its use is recommended for pregnant women, babies, children and young people.

“It is useless to take iodine tablets preventively: not only is it useless, but it can cause undesirable effects, or allergies,” explained the ASN.

An excess of iodine can cause dysfunction of the thyroid gland as well as certain heart or kidney side effects. The tablets are valid for seven years.