The Russian invasion and the attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant triggered a run in pharmacies in the world and throughout Italy, including Biella, in search of potassium iodide (KI) tablets, a compound used against hyperthyroidism and as a protection factor in case of radiation emissions.
Many buy it out of fear of a nuclear disaster given its ability to reduce the effects of radiation. However, pharmacists strongly advise against the “Do-It-Yourself” methods and underline the dangers of iodine intake by specifying that: “Incorrect use of iodine-based tablets can cause serious damage to health, particularly to the thyroid gland. And if there is a nuclear disaster in Ukraine, iodine-based supplements are not needed. But drugs, the distribution of which would be up to the Civil Protection and the Regions. ”
Even the Ministry of Health recommends caution and declares: “The request for iodine-based medicines for the feared nuclear risk is very inappropriate. Iodide is a drug and should be managed by the doctor. It is important to remember that potassium iodide or simply KI should only be taken if recommended by local health authorities, only with a prescription and under medical supervision. An inappropriate intake of KI, in fact, can cause flu symptoms, headache, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, redness of the face, pain in the salivary glands, laryngitis, bronchitis and thyroid problems. The only general recommendation, without damage for the moment, concerns the use of iodized salt. ”
A nuclear explosion would also release radioactive substances such as cesium-137, uranium, plutonium and other harmful substances into the air, and in the face of such a scenario, it would therefore not be only the thyroid that is at risk, but the whole organism.