Resources on the use of KI as a Radiation Protectant

The following passages summarize the KI (potassium iodide) recommendations of U.S. health and governmental organizations. To read more from one of these groups, click on the Web links that follow each passage.

U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness Kit

"KI is recommended as being part of a family's emergency preparedness."

http://www.ready.gov/first_aid_kit.html

American Thyroid Association

"No one can predict how far radioactive iodine might spread after being released in a fallout cloud from a nuclear power plant during an accident or attack. Thus, no one can predict how far from a nuclear plant the government should distribute KI if it is to protect every person who might be exposed to radioactive iodine. Because there is no right answer, ATA recommends three levels of coverage, determined by distance from the nuclear plant."

    The American Thyroid Association recommends that:
  • KI should be part of an emergency plan that includes evacuation, sheltering, and avoid contaminated food, milk, and water.
  • Highest priority for KI use and all other emergency measures should be given to babies, children up to 18 years of age, and pregnant women.
  • KI should be "pre-distributed" to households within 50 miles of a plant.
  • KI should be used only under regulatory guidance.

American Thyroid Association Endorses Potassium Iodide for Radiation Emergencies, November 7, 2001; most recent update July 24, 2002 http://www.thyroid.org/professionals/publications/statements/ki/02_04_09_ki_endrse.html

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends, "...that households within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant keep KI on hand to protect the thyroid in the event of an accidental or intentional release of radioactive iodines. Schools and childcare facilities within the same radius also should have immediate access to KI. Also, because of windborne fallout, we should consider stockpiling KI within a larger radius. After the Chernobyl disaster, the 3 most highly contaminated areas were the 20 mile zone around the reactor, 120 miles northeast of the reactor, and another area 300 miles northeast of the reactor.

    "For KI to work effectively, it must be given before or soon after exposure to radioactive iodine. The efficacy (effectiveness of the drug to prevent thyroid cancer) goes down the longer time goes by. For example:
  • After 2 hours - 80% thyroid protection
  • At 8 hours - 40% thyroid protection
  • after 24 hours - there is only 7% protection."

Radiation Disasters and Children published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, June 2003, http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;111/6/1455

For Medical Professionals

Review the FDA December 2001 Guidance on Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid-Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies. It is accessible on the Web at: www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/4825fnl.htm

The June 2003 issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics has a Policy Statement on KI entitled, "Radiation Disasters and Children." It includes a detailed description of the background and treatment protocols for those most at risk; children and infants. To access this article go to: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;111/6/1455