Potassium Iodide Tips

Potassium iodide is a form of salt originally added to regular table salt as protection against goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. More recent evidence shows that iodized salt is also effective in halting preventable brain damage and mental retardation. In the nuclear age, potassium iodide has gained additional usefulness as a temporary protection against some types of radiation poisoning.

Daily Health

• Although iodine is essential to thyroid health and brain development, our bodies cannot produce it internally. Good sources of dietary iodine are therefore vital, and lack of access can be catastrophic. Although nearly 40 percent of the world's population is still at risk for iodine deficiency, the problem is much less common in the United States, where more than 90 percent of people get sufficient amounts. Still, if you are concerned your diet is lacking, make sure you use iodized salt and eat foods like dairy products, eggs and shellfish, which are also good iodine sources. If you have other health concerns that remove salt as an option, try to eat more of other iodine-rich foods.

Protection from Radiation

• In the event of a nuclear or radiological event, contamination may occur in the form of radioactive iodine, which is created by nuclear processes. Radioactive iodine can be inhaled from the air or ingested in contaminated food or water and is rapidly absorbed by the thyroid gland. Potassium iodide works against this process. It is what is known as a "stable" salt of iodine, lacking any radioactive properties, and is also quickly absorbed by the thyroid. If taken at the proper time, potassium iodide essentially blocks radioactive iodine from accessing the thyroid, preventing radiation damage. Protection is both incomplete and temporary, but the effects can be life-saving in an emergency.

  Both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have issued guidelines for proper use of potassium iodide. Firstly, table salt, which contains only trace amounts of the salt, is insufficient to provide radiation protection. Concentrated doses of potassium iodide are necessary for effective results and are available over the counter at almost any pharmacy. However, you should not take potassium iodide as a regular preventive measure. It is effective only for short periods of time, and taking it regularly or in high doses can make you ill or even kill you. If a serious event has taken place, emergency preparedness officials will issue public calls for potassium iodide use. Unless you hear these warnings, leave your supply safely stored away.

  It is also important to realize that even the temporary benefits of potassium iodide protect only your thyroid gland. It cannot protect the rest of your body, and cannot reverse thyroid damage once it has taken place. In case of an emergency, make sure you follow all properly issued instructions to fully safeguard your health and welfare.

Extra Considerations

• Not everyone should take potassium iodide. Conditions that make its use unsuitable include iodine allergies and certain skin disorders. Proper dosages vary for those who can tolerate the concentrated salt. Consult your physician or local emergency preparedness agency for full details and guidelines.