Across Europe, as the risk for nuclear war is on the rise, iodine tablets are flying off the shelves. Read to know what they are and how they can help.
What are Iodine tablets?
Iodine tablets are medicines containing non-reactive, stable iodine that prevent the thyroid gland from concentrated radioactive iodine. As the fear of nuclear war is rising, the need for this tablet is increasing to counter the risk of thyroid cancer. Additionally, as the Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl nuclear site and Zaporizhzhia, France stated that it will be sending a million doses to Ukraine.
Iodine is essential to our diet but, our body cannot produce it. The thyroid produces hormones important for bodily functions and brain development. In case of a catastrophic nuclear accident, radioactive iodine is released into the atmosphere. Inhaling or consuming contaminated iodine through food can raise the risk of thyroid cancer.
Can they help in case of a nuclear accident?
Once saturated with stable iodine, the thyroid gland cannot concentrate on radioactive iodine. The radioactive element then moves outside the body through urine. However, taking iodine tablets will not help in getting protection from radiation. Researchers also believe that they will not be providing immunity. As per the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), iodine protects the thyroid. The most vital move following a nuclear accident is to take shelter inside a hard building.
“There is no point in taking iodine tablets as a prophylactic. it’s pointless and it can cause undesirable effects or allergies,” noted the ASN. One must take the tablets an hour before radiation exposure. Additionally, people must take then six to twelve houses following exposure. This is highly encouraged for pregnant women, children, infants, and younger people.
