Nuclear sewage refers to sewage containing radioactivity, such as highly radioactive wastewater produced in nuclear leakage accidents or cooling water in direct contact with nuclear fuel. Experts say that nuclear wastewater is not equal to nuclear wastewater. Nuclear sewage is even more harmful. It contains 64 kinds of nuclear radioactive substances, including tritium.
Japan Launches Nuclear Sewage Discharge Plan
At 13:00 on August 24, 2023 (Japan time), the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant started to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.
On August 26, 2023, according to Japan’s TBS TV station, TEPCO admitted that about 66% of the nuclear-contaminated water in the current storage tanks contains excessive radioactive substances.
Pennsylvanians Receive Free Potassium Iodide
The Pennsylvania Department of Health provided free potassium iodide (KI) tablets on Thursday, August 17, to people who live within 10 miles of four active nuclear power plants in the state.
The Ministry of Health said it was part of a routine annual preventive effort for future emergencies. Acting Secretary of Health, Dr. Debra Bogen, states, “Providing residents with potassium iodide tablets is an important part of emergency preparedness and public health. Radiological emergencies are rare, but having the tablets on hand is important. These tablets should only be taken as directed. In an emergency, Pennsylvanians should follow the directions of local authorities.”
KI potassium iodide helps protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine. Anyone who is not allergic can take it. The department also said it was safe for pregnant women who were breastfeeding.
Radiation Comes. Do Potassium Iodide Pills Really Work?
- Iodine tablets can only protect against specific nuclear radiation.
The mechanism of iodine radiation protection is to increase the saturation of iodine in the human thyroid gland by taking “stabilized iodine.” When a certain amount of “stable iodine” is ingested, radioactive iodine is no longer absorbed. It avoids the deposition of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland. It aims to prevent the harm of radioactive iodine to the thyroid gland.
Before an exposure accident, taking stable iodine can prevent the deposition of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland. However, it does not protect against external exposure, nor is it a “radiation antidote.” At the same time, it cannot prevent the harm of radioactive substances other than radioactive iodine to the human body.
- What are the benefits of taking potassium iodide during a radiation accident?
When potassium iodide is ingested, it is absorbed by the thyroid gland. Taken at the correct dose and time, it effectively saturates the thyroid so that inhaled or ingested radioactive iodine does not build up in the thyroid. And it also reduces the risk of thyroid effects.
Thyroid effects from absorption of radioactive iodine due to inhalation or ingestion or both may cause acute, chronic, and delayed effects. Acute effects at high doses include thyroiditis, while chronic and late effects include hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
- Why does the rule require countries to consider using potassium iodide instead of making it mandatory?
The NRC does not require the public to use potassium iodide. The reason is that the NRC believes that current emergency plans and protective measures (evacuation and shelter) are adequate to protect public health and safety. However, the NRC admits the supplemental value of potassium iodide and the discretion of states to determine the appropriate use of potassium iodide by their citizens.
By asking for potassium iodide to be considered, the committee recognizes the important role of state and local governments in emergency planning.
The rule applies to state and tribal governments with nuclear plants within their borders and populations within the 10-mile emergency planning area, as well as local governments designated by the state to request funding for potassium iodide.
Who Should Avoid Taking Potassium Iodide Pills?
Iodine tablets are generally suitable for patients with iodine deficiency. Most of the iodine tablets sold on the Internet contain potassium iodide. Excessive intake of potassium iodide may lead to various adverse reactions, such as allergies, and may even be fatal in severe cases.
Potassium Iodide Dosage For Nuclear Attack
The World Health Organization recommends in “Iodine Thyroid Blockade – Guidelines for Planning and Responding to Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies” that a single dose of “stable iodine” for adults (>12 years) is 100 mg.
The minimum dose of KI for thyroid protection that different age groups can take. KI is available in different forms, such as liquid, powder, tablet, and pill. Parents or caregivers can cut or crush the pills to reduce the dose or give the liquid form to control intake for children or infants who cannot take the medicine.
- Infants from birth to one-month-old: 16 mg
- Infants from one month to three years old: 32 mg
- Children 3-12 years old: 65 mg
- Children aged 12-18 and under 150 pounds: 65 mg
- Children 12-18 years old, weighing more than 150 pounds: 130 mg
- Adults 18 years and older: 130 mg
After taking KI Potassium Iodide, its effect can last for 24 hours. So, when you need to take it, take it once daily.
After Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant launched a plan to discharge nuclear pollution into the sea, there has been a phenomenon of hoarding iodized salt. Normal adults need to consume 3-4 kg of iodized salt at one time to reach the dose recommended by WHO. It is obviously far beyond the intake of ordinary people. Therefore, nuclear radiation cannot be prevented by consuming iodized salt. Moreover, excessive salt intake will increase the load on the heart and kidneys, causing diseases such as high blood pressure. Excess iodine intake can also disrupt normal thyroid function.
Is Potassium Iodide FDA-Approved?
Potassium iodide, as an over-the-counter medication for radiation emergencies, is approved by the FDA. This ingredient protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine released during a nuclear accident or emergency. By the way, as with any medication, individuals should check with doctors or pharmacists before using it.
Where To Buy Potassium Iodide?
As an experienced raw ingredients supplier, Nutri Avenue offers FDA-approved Potassium Iodide powder at wholesale price. And we accept to customize it into pills, tablets, etc. This ingredient is tested by a third party and certified by Kosher, Halal, GMP, etc. It’s a good time to sell KI potassium iodide because of Japan’s action. People hope they can buy related products to protect their health in an emergency. Therefore, Nutri Avenue is a good choice to support businesses and brands to produce such products. Welcome to get a free quote now.
References
- https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/potassium_iodide/fact_sheet.htm
- https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness/about-emerg-preparedness/potassium-iodide/ki-faq.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66106162
- https://www.abc27.com/news/health/pennsylvanians-near-active-nuclear-plants-can-receive-free-potassium-iodide/