Questions and Answers about Iodine Tablets
Published: Tuesday, Oct 17th 2023, 04:40
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Jodtabletten are being distributed to households within a 50 kilometer radius of Swiss nuclear power plants in the coming weeks. These tablets contain large amounts of non-radioactive iodine and are to be taken in the event of a serious nuclear power plant accident. When taken in time, they effectively protect the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine, which can lead to thyroid cancer. The positive effects of the tablets were confirmed by follow-up studies of the 1986 Chernobyl reactor accident in Poland, where 10.5 million children and 7 million adults were treated with iodine. In Belarus, where no iodine blockade was carried out, thyroid cancer in children, which is otherwise extremely rare, occurred one hundred times more often. However, the tablets do not protect against direct radioactive radiation or the harmful effects of other radioactive substances. Children from two months and adults must take the tablets daily in an emergency. Taking too much iodine can cause iodine poisoning, which can manifest itself in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and skin rashes. Some people may also be allergic to iodine, which can cause symptoms such as rash, itching and difficulty breathing. The tablets should only be taken on the orders of the authorities, as taking them too early or too late can be ineffective. They are only recommended for people under 45, as the risk of developing thyroid cancer decreases with age and the risk of serious side effects increases.
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