Iodide tablets to protect against nuclear threat

If a nuclear catastrophe were to occur, radioactive iodine could be released into the atmosphere, but measures can be taken to protect yourself…

If breathed in or swallowed, this iodine is absorbed into the thyroid gland. By taking iodide tablets you can saturate your thyroid with stable (non-radioactive) iodide and prevent this absorption.

For several years now, more and more campaigns to distribute iodide tablets to the population have been launched across Europe… In 2016, French citizens living within 6 miles of a reactor all received vouchers to pick up iodide tablets at their local pharmacy. Also in 2016, the Netherlands bumped up their stocks of iodide with a huge order of 15 million tablets. Finally, since the 6th of March this year, all Belgian pharmacies have been authorized to distribute tablets for free to anyone who wants some.

Whether or not these tablets can really protect you is unclear, but there’s no doubt that many believe they could make all the difference.