Does iodized salt protect against radiation?
Iodized table salt should not be used as protection against radioactive fallout. But you’d have to consume 3 1/2 pounds of iodized salt to obtain the 130 milligrams of iodine that’s contained in a single tablet of potassium iodide for use in a radiation emergency, according to the Salt Institute.
Why does radioactive iodine not affect your body?
Because of this, radioactive iodine (RAI, also called I-131) can be used to treat thyroid cancer. The RAI collects mainly in thyroid cells, where the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells (including cancer cells) that take up iodine, with little effect on the rest of your body.
What radiation does to salt?
The explanation is: The table salt exposed to gamma radiation from a cobalt 60 source excites electrons in the salt to a higher energy level. In this excited state, electrons in the salt can absorb certain wavelengths of light, resulting in the observed brown color.
How effective is radioactive iodine treatment?
Conclusion: Radioactive iodine treatment is an effective modality for definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism with long-term cure approaching 80\%. Response rate was not related to gender, etiology or RAI dosage.
How much iodine should you take if exposed to radiation?
10. How much KI do I take?
| Age Group | KI Dosage | Number of 130-mg tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Adults over 18 years | 130 mg | 1 |
| Over 12 – 18 years and over 150 pounds | 130 mg | 1 |
| Over 12 – 18 years and less than 150 pounds | 65 mg | 1/2 |
| Over 3 -12 years | 65 mg | 1/2 |
How long does radioactive iodine stay on surfaces?
So the general rule of thumb is that after three months, all of the radioactivity is gone.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Possible long term side effects include:
- Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment.
- Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made)
- Tiredness.
- Dry or watery eyes.
- Lower levels of blood cells.
- Lung problems.
- Second cancers.
What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine treatment?
Longer-term complications include recurrent sialoadenitis associated with xerostomia, mouth pain, dental caries, pulmonary fibrosis, nasolacrimal outflow obstruction, and second primary malignancies. This article summarizes the common complications of RAI and methods to prevent and manage these complications.
Where does radioactive iodine come from?
Where does it come from? I-131 is produced commercially for medical and industrial uses through nuclear fission. It also is a byproduct of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and weapons testing.
Why does iodine help with radiation?
KI (potassium iodide) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine that can help block radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thus protecting this gland from radiation injury.
Does iodine prevent radiation?
How do you counter radiation exposure?
Potassium iodide (KI) is an inorganic compound that is available from three manufacturers under different brand names as an antidote to radiation exposure. From a chemistry point of view, it is made from potassium hydroxide and iodine, and it is the most produced iodide compound in the world.