Sunday, May 22, 2022
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result

Why people rush for iodine tablets over nuclear, cancer risk

by Agence France-Presse
March 8, 2022
in Nuclear Weapons News
2 min read
0
Why Russia’s Reviving Its Nuke Trains
14
VIEWS

European countries have seen stocks of iodine fly off the shelves due to fears it may be needed to counter the risks of thyroid cancer if Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causes a nuclear incident.

France said it would send 2.5 million doses of the chemical compound to Ukraine after Russian forces there seized the defunct Chernobyl nuclear site and damaged Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest atomic plant.

Here are some facts about iodine:

What is iodine?
Stable iodine — potassium iodide — enables the thyroid gland in the neck to produce hormones that are essential for brain development and vital bodily functions. The body does not make iodine so it is key to the diet.

Can iodine help in a nuclear accident?
A serious incident at a nuclear facility would release radioactive iodine into the atmosphere. If this is inhaled or eaten in contaminated food, it can increase the risk of thyroid cancer — an effect observed after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.

Tablets of stable, non-radioactive iodine help prevent radioactive iodine concentrating in the thyroid gland. Saturated like a sponge with stable iodine, the gland can no longer capture the radioactive element, which is then flushed out of the body naturally though the urine.

Does iodine work in all circumstances?
Iodine tablets do not protect against other radioactive elements. They do not provide immunity to radiation and are not a permanent cure.

The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) told AFP that iodine only protects the thyroid and the most important thing to do in a nuclear incident is to take shelter in a hard building.

The tablets must be taken at precise times — ideally, one hour before exposure to radiation and, at the latest, in the 6 to 12 hours following exposure.

They are recommended in particular for pregnant women, babies, children and young people.

“There is no point in taking iodine tablets as a prophylactic,” the ASN warned. “It’s pointless and it can cause undesirable effects or allergies.”

Taking too much iodine can cause the thyroid to malfunction and damage the heart and kidneys.

Last week Croatian doctors warned of the dangers of taking iodine without proper precautions.

Belgians have also been warned of the risks but have nonetheless reportedly rushed to buy the pills.

How readily available are iodine pills?
Iodine tablets area only administered on the advice of the authorities. Chemists do not provide them to the public under other circumstances.

In France, for example, there have been five iodine distribution campaigns since 1997, in reaction to accidental radioactive leaks from nuclear sites.

Tags: iodinenuclear attackrussiawar
Previous Post

In nod to Russia, Ukraine says no longer insisting on NATO membership

Next Post

Sweden, Finland ‘remind’ EU of mutual defence clause

Related Posts

North Korea

North Korea ‘ready for nuclear test’ with Biden due in Seoul

May 19, 2022

North Korea is poised to conduct a nuclear test, Seoul and Washington said Thursday, with the United States warning it...

North Korea pursues weapons despite Covid blockade: UN report

At military parade, Kim vows to boost North Korea’s nuclear arsenal

April 26, 2022

North Korea will rapidly accelerate development of its nuclear arsenal, leader Kim Jong Un said while overseeing a vast military...

Next Post
EU says US tech talks going ahead despite French anger

Sweden, Finland 'remind' EU of mutual defence clause

Latest Defense News

EU warns Belarus opening door to Russian nukes after vote

New military bases in western Russia in response to NATO expansion: minister

May 20, 2022
NATO warns Russia readying for ‘full-scale attack’ on Ukraine

Signs multiply Russia seeks control of south Ukraine

May 20, 2022
Biden to announce anti-gun violence measures

Biden begins Asia trip in South Korea, under North nuclear shadow

May 20, 2022
Russian Army Receives More Iskander-M Tactical Ballistic Missile System

Belarus buys S-400, Iskander missiles from Russia: Lukashenko

May 20, 2022
Turkey seeks alternatives to Russian energy after warplane crisis

Erdogan urges NATO allies to ‘respect’ concerns over Finland, Sweden

May 19, 2022
North Korea

North Korea ‘ready for nuclear test’ with Biden due in Seoul

May 19, 2022

Defense Forum Discussions

  • The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread
  • Russian Navy Discussions and Updates
  • Israeli Army News & Discussion
  • Ukrainian - Russian War Memes.
  • PRC Peoples Liberation Army Navy
  • Australia is getting NASAMS in June this year in 2022.
  • China - Geostrategic & Geopolitical.
  • NZDF General discussion thread
  • Republic of Korea AF (ROKAF)
  • Helo Jumping with Dutch Marines
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com