Quantity of Potassium Iodide Tablets & Calcium to Have on Hand for Nuclear Radiation? Anything else?

How many Potassium Iodide 130 mg Tablets and Calcium tablets should you have on hand per person to survive nuclear radiation in case of a Nuke? Anything else you need as well besides, prayers? Thanks

 

I think that completely depends on the amount of fallout and how well its tracked, if you are going to stay in the contaminated area.

 

I'm assuming you have no choice but to be in the Contaminated Area because Federal Quarantine. Going from the 2 extremes, how much for minimal fallout if there is such a thing and maximum fallout (below automatic death level). Thanks

 

Um, why would you keep tablets instead of a bottle of Lugols?
Also if taking iodine, make sure your also taking selenium along with it.

 

What age group?

Use of Potassium Iodide During Radiological Emergencies: Information for the Public

• Use of Potassium Iodide During Radiological Emergencies: Information for the Public is available in Portable Document Format (PDF, 22KB, 2pp.) - Print on legal size paper and fold into pamphlet

1. Purpose
In December 2001 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new recommendations for the administration of potassium iodide (KI) to the general public as a supplement to evacuation and sheltering during a radiological emergency. The State of New York in turn has revised its 1982 KI Policy to reflect this new guidance. This fact sheet presents general information on KI for members of the public.

2. What is potassium iodide and what is it used for?
Potassium iodide (KI) is a chemical compound that can be used to protect the thyroid gland from possible radiation injury caused by radioactive iodine (radioiodine). Some radiological emergencies may release large amounts of radioiodine to the environment. Since iodine concentrates in the thyroid gland, inhalation or ingestion of food contaminated with the radioiodine can lead to radiation injury to the thyroid. This includes increased risk of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases. Thyroid cancer is curable in most cases, but taking measures that reduce the chance of developing cancer are still preferable.

3. How does KI work?
Taking KI saturates the thyroid gland with stable (non-radioactive) iodine. This prevents or reduces the amount of radioiodine that can be taken up by the thyroid.

4. What age group is at the highest risk from exposure to radioiodine?
Children are the group with the highest risk. A significant increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer among children in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia was observed as a result of exposure to radioiodine from the Chernobyl accident. The younger the children, the higher the observed risk. No similar increase was reported for adults.

5. At what radiation dose is KI indicated?
On December 10, 2001, FDA issued new guidance that sets different radiation doses for different risk groups as follows:

Age Groups Projected
Radiation
Dose to the
Thyroid
0 - 18 years 5 rem
Pregnant and Lactating Women 5 rem
Over 18 - 40 years 10 rem
Over 40 years 500 rem
6. When should KI be taken?
To be most effective, KI should be taken before or shortly after exposure to radioiodine. Even if taken three to four hours after exposure, it still would reduce the uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid. However, its effectiveness would be reduced.

7. How will one know if the use of KI is indicated in an emergency?
The use of KI is only indicated in emergencies where the public is likely to be exposed to radioiodine. The State and County health departments monitor all radiation emergencies and will issue advisories informing the public whether KI should be taken. In those cases where KI is indicated, the health departments will also issue advisories on when the administration of KI is no longer needed.

8. Is KI effective in all radiation emergencies?

• KI is quite effective in reducing the radiation dose to the thyroid that could result from the intake of radioiodine;
• KI does not protect other organs or tissues;
• KI does not protect against radiation doses received from sources external to the body, such as the radiation dose from the radioactive plume or from exposure to radioactive materials deposited on the ground; and
• KI does not protect against radioactive materials, other than iodine, which are inhaled or ingested.

9. What are other protective measures that can be taken in an emergency?
The existing emergency response plans in New York State rely on evacuation and shelteringin- place of potentially affected populations to prevent their exposure to the radioactive materials that could be released in an accident. Evacuation would continue to be the primary protective measure in such accidents along with sheltering-in-place of individuals who cannot relocate (captive populations). KI, if used, would only supplement evacuation and sheltering-in-place. Ingestion of contaminated milk or other food products can also lead to significant intake of radioiodine. The primary protective measure for the ingestion pathway is the control of the food supply to prevent ingestion of contaminated products.

10. Does KI have side effects?
A study of a sample of those who were administered KI in Poland, following the Chernobyl accident, provides information on side effects of KI. One in 270 of the newborns receiving 15 mg of KI showed transient biochemical hypothyroidism. The effects observed in adults and children were generally of little clinical significance. Observed side effects included gastrointestinal distress in about 2% and rash in about 1%. In two cases, adults with known iodine sensitivity were hospitalized.

11. Should any precautions be considered if KI is recommended for public use?

• Because of possible side effects, individuals with known iodide sensitivity or who have conditions associated with increased risk of iodine hypersensitivity should avoid taking KI;
• Individuals should consult their physicians to determine if they have iodine sensitivity or conditions that may increase their risk of developing iodine hypersensitivity. Such information should be obtained prior to an emergency, since, to be effective, KI needs to be taken within a narrow time window from exposure.
• Because some newborns may develop transient hypothyroidism, newborns given KI should be monitored for hypothyroidism symptoms, and treated if such symptoms are observed. FDA recommends that neonates (newborn to one month), pregnant and lactating women, and those with known iodine sensitivity, should be given priority with regard to other protective measures.

12. What dosage of KI should be administered?
In December 2001, FDA issued a revised guidance document, which recommends the following lowest effective dosages for the different age groups.

Recommended Doses of KI for Different Risk Groups
Age Group KI Dosage Number of ml
liquid
(65 mg/ml) Number of 65-mg
tablets Number of 130-mg
tablets
Adults over 18 years 130 mg 2 2 1
Over 12 -18 years and over 150 pounds 130 mg 2 2 1
Over 12 -18 years and less than 150 pounds 65 mg 1 1 1/2
Over 3 -12 years 65 mg 1 1 1/2
Over 1 month to 3 years 32 mg 0.5 1/2 1/4
Birth to 1 month 16 mg 0.25 1/4 1/8
KI is currently FDA-approved and available over-the-counter in 65-mg and 130-mg tablets and liquid form. The 65-mg tablets are larger than the 130-mg tablets and scored in quarters. Dosing at the FDA recommended level is much easier with the liquid or 65-mg tablets. The pills can either be cut on the score lines or crushed to make lower doses, which will help parents and caregivers measure the right dose for younger children or babies, who cannot take pills. For example, if a 130-mg pill were dissolved in 8 ounces of juice or other liquid, one ounce would contain 16 mg of KI. Efforts should be made to dose at the FDA recommended level, especially for neonates. Since it is hard to cut many pills, the State Health Commissioner says that, in an emergency, it is safe for children at school or day care centers to take the whole pill.

Children 12 years and under should take one 65-mg tablet. Children over 12 years or over 150 pounds should take one 130-mg tablet or two 65-mg tablets. If the appropriate dosage is not available, the New York State Commissioner of Health supports the administration of the 130-mg tablet for children in the event of emergencies. This dose is safe and well within the recommended therapeutic range of KI for other indications. The blocking effect of iodide on the thyroid lasts only a few days and any suppressive effect of KI on thyroid function has been shown to be minimal, even in young children. FDA's position is that the overall benefits of KI far exceed the risks of KI overdosing, especially in children.

13. How often should KI be taken?
Administered KI is effective for about 24 hours. The State or local health department will issue instructions regarding how long to continue taking KI. Once individuals are removed from the areas affected by the release, there is no need to continue taking KI.

14. Does KI come in liquid or pill form?
It could be in either form. For prophylactic use in nuclear power plant emergencies in the US it is marketed in both liquid and tablet form. After the 1986 Chernobyl accident, Poland used the liquid form to administer KI to its population. KI is currently FDAapproved and available over-the-counter in 65- mg and 130-mg tablets and liquid form

15. Is there a shelf life for KI?
The shelf life approved by FDA for different manufacturers of the drug ranges from five to seven years. However, if properly stored (protected from air, heat, light and moisture), KI can maintain its form for many years without significant degradation.

16. Does one need a prescription to obtain KI?
No. FDA approved the distribution of KI for prophylactic use as an over-the-counter drug.

17. Can KI be purchased at local pharmacies?
Despite FDA's approval to distribute it overthe- counter, the vast majority of pharmacies do not have it for sale over-the-counter. Individuals can purchase it over the Internet. New York State has requested a supply of KI for individuals who live within ten miles of a nuclear power plant in New York State (Monroe, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rockland, Wayne or Westchester Counties). Information regarding pre-distribution and availability will be provided with the annual emergency planning booklet or calendar distributed by either the power company or county government.

For additional information contact:
New York State Department of Health Infoline 1-800-458-1158 or 518-402-7550 or at berp@health.ny.gov

Other sources of information:

• Guidance Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies - Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (PDF,40KB, 15pgs.)
• Frequently Asked Questions on Potassium Iodide (KI) - Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
• Potassium Iodide (KI) Fact Sheet - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Home Preparation Procedure for Emergency Administration of Potassium Iodide Tablets to Infants and Children Using 65 Milligram (mg) Tablets - Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
• Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear Accidents - World Health Organization (PDF, 96KB, 39pg)
• New York State Department of Health - Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace and Outdoors

 

With out a Geiger counter and ppe sounds like KI is little to no use unless you plan to get out.

 

How would you protect a vehicle?

 

Sealed inside a garage. Post drop will be dust as a contaminate.

 

In the air force we put large trash bags held down with sand bagd over vehicles to keep contamination off them for Kim Jong ill training.

 

The needs far exceed what most people have or can afford.
Your best bet is to be able to seal every crack in your home.
Have a way to get fresh air in and away to dispose of dirty filters.
Have full protective coveralls with hood and full face filter unit.
A air lock is primary for these conditions .
Food and water for two weeks and a way to get rid of your garbage. This means human waste too.
LOCK Down.
Experience in the Mil with NBC procedures or real life practice sessions.
Try living in your homes for a week under NBC conditions.
You must suit up in a clean area each time you go out and then unsuit and wash down out side and then put on clean clothes in your air lock when you return.
Figure one suit a day for two people and never go out alone. You drop you die.
Plan ahead and save the young'ns.

This is a real tough way to live.

 

Just make work.

 

Why the selenium?

 

Your body needs selenium to properly utilize iodine.

Insert Lots of sciency stuff that I cant remember 1/2 of cause the research I did was years ago.

 

Thanks, I take selenium already for brain health but I was wondering if it had any other value.

 

Good points, thanks. What does NBC Stand for other than National Broadcasting Network?

 

Much gratitude for this!

 

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (US DoD)