Radioactive iodines are produced during the operation of nuclear power plants and
during the detonation of nuclear weapons. In the event of a radiation incident,
radioiodine is one of the contaminants that could be released into the environment.
Exposure to radioiodine can lead to radiation injury to the thyroid, including thyroid
cancer. Radiation to the thyroid from radioiodine can be limited by taking a nonradioactive
iodine (stable iodine) such as potassium iodide. This book assesses strategies
for the distribution and administration of potassium iodide (KI) in the event of a
nuclear incident. The report says that potassium iodide pills should be available to
everyone age 40 or younger—especially children and pregnant and lactating
women—living near a nuclear power plant. States and municipalities should decide
how to stockpile, distribute, and administer potassium iodide tablets, and federal
agencies should keep a backup supply of tablets and be prepared to distribute them
to affected areas.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Thyroid Physiology
3 Potential Exposure to Radioactive Iodine
4 Health Consequences of Radiation Exposure
5 Protective Measures
6 Existing Distribution Plans for Potassium Iodide
7 Process for Evaluation of Options for Distribution of Potassium Iodide
8 Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Appendix A: Public Law 107-188, Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2002
Appendix B: Fission Product Inventories
Appendix C: Potassium Iodide Distribution in the States
Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans
Appendix E: Information and Communication Messages Regarding Potassium Iodide or Radioactive Iodine
Glossary
Committee Biographies