General Medical Advices

What are the consequences of radiation exposure in humans?

• Radiation can affect the body in different ways and it is possible that adverse health effects are not evident for many years.
• The adverse health effects can be mild, such as redness of the skin to be much more serious as cancer and death depending on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, how exposure and duration of it.
• Exposure to large doses of radiation may cause death within a few days or months.
• Exposure to low doses of radiation may increase the risk of developing cancer or other health problems during the course of life.

Should I take potassium iodide during a radiation emergency?

• Potassium iodide (KI) should be taken only during a radiation emergency that involves the release of radioactive iodine as a nuclear plant accident or nuclear bomb explosion. Chances are that a “dirty bomb” does not contain radioactive iodine.
• A person who has suffered an internal exposure to radioactive iodine may experience thyroid disease later in life. The thyroid gland will absorb radioactive iodine and the person may develop cancer or abnormal growths later. Potassium iodide saturates the thyroid gland with iodine, decreasing the amount of harmful radioactive iodine is absorbed.
• Potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland only and does not offer any protection against radiation exposure.
• Some people are allergic to iodine and should not take potassium iodide. Check with your doctor about any concerns you have about potassium iodide.

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