Such prophylaxis is applied in areas up to 600 km from the damaged NPP. “Chernobyl” and “Zaporozhye” are further away, he says the director of the National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection
In people over 40, the risk of complications outweighs the benefits, and is unnecessary – the latency period for such cancer is 30-40 years after radiation exposure more harm than good
– Assoc. Prof. Djunova, what is the difference between iodine tincture and other preparations that can be found in pharmacies, and iodine tablets in the state reserve, which would be distributed to the population in case of radiation?
– In the iodine tablets stored in the state reserve, the content of stable iodine is precisely determined. This allows the right dosage for different ages, and this is a drug and must be dosed correctly.
– In case you get there, how should these tablets be taken and how fast should you start taking them in order to have an effect?
– The optimal period is less than 24 hours before and up to two hours after a person has been exposed to radiation.
Taking stable iodine later than 24 hours after that would do more harm than good. The reason is that it prolongs the biological retention period of radioactive iodine accumulated in the thyroid gland, as well as the radiation dose. These conclusions were made by the World Health Organization on the basis of research and experience of countries that have applied iodine prophylaxis in emergencies.
The use of stable iodine should not be done on the principle of self-medication. The overall strategy for the protection of public health must include all emergency and early protection measures, as well as shelter, evacuation, restriction of the consumption of contaminated food, milk and drinking water.
I would like to point out that this is not done in every NPP accident.
Even the discovery of radioactive iodine in air after an accident
does not necessarily mean
that will apply Potassium Iodide
This decision depends on the dose of radiation that iodine in the thyroid gland would cause.
In 2011, when the Fukushima accident took place, traces of iodine-131 in Bulgaria were found after about two weeks, in minimal quantities that did not require the application of protective measures. Both then and now we publish daily research data on the website of the National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection.
– However, Romania has already decided to distribute pills to the population as a precaution, why do the authorities in our country not have this attitude? Could the reason be insufficient availability?
– In Bulgaria, the stocks of iodine tablets are renewed every year by the General Directorate “Fire Safety and Protection of the Population”, which is responsible for them.
There are two recommended ways to administer potassium iodide – pre-delivery or distribution as needed. The first is usually required in the emergency response areas around the NPP, and Bulgaria has chosen the second.
In an accident at a power plant where the insulation was not broken, the population within a radius of 5 km around the NPP was evacuated, and people within a radius of 20 km took refuge and took iodine. If the isolation is broken, as in Fukushima, the zones are increased to 20 and 100 km, respectively. In addition, according to the Bulgarian Society of Endocrinology, iodine prophylaxis is applied in areas up to 600 km from the epicenter. Both Chernobyl and Zaporozhye are further from that.
– Why are iodine tablets to be given only to people under 40?
– The reason is that with increasing age the risk of side effects such as the development of hyperthyroidism in iodine deficient patients is higher than the negligible risk of developing thyroid cancer from emergency exposure to radioactive iodine. In adults, there is a long latency period of 30 to 40 years before the onset of such cancer. Given current life expectancy, this means that only a small percentage of people over the age of 40 would develop thyroid cancer, if at all.
– What is the way to protect other age groups?
– Hiding, compliance with the recommendations for water consumption from the water supply system, and not from open springs and wells, as well as
consumption of proven food, a
do not buy milk in bottles of Coca-Cola
from the trunk on the car market
– To what extent do iodine tablets protect against radiation?
– It is difficult to specify a number, it is a risk of developing a disease, and this is a probability.
– What are the most ridiculous “therapies” of panicked citizens you have heard of?
– I rarely share such things given my workplace. I remember many years ago, when I was on TV, the presenter asked me what my attitude was towards iodine baths as a protective effect. The question was asked by a viewer on the editorial website.
– Although milder, there was a similar hysteria after the accident at Fukushima. Do you know then how many Bulgarians bought iodine tinctures and pills?
– Yes, there was hysteria and I experienced it on my own back. However, I can not say how much iodine tinctures are purchased. Regarding the consequences, we have not done such research.
– In fact, what harm can the intake of iodine-containing preparations lead to?
– Hypothyroidism may occur in newborns and young children, and in patients with nodular goiter – hyperthyroidism. Other side effects include mild allergic reactions and gastrointestinal discomfort.
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