RE: US Bill: Mandatory KI Stockpiling

[james.g.barnes@ATT.NET]

A side issue that is not often considered is the 

importance of the timing of the supplementation.



In the case of iodine supplementation, a single dose 

before the environmental Iodine levels elevate is a 

workable countermeasure.  A problem can develop, however, 

where the individual takes the iodine after the 

environmental Iodine levels have dropped (i.e., after the 

irradiation of the thyroid has occurred).



This leads to a situation where one may have a fairly 

heavily irradiated thyroid gland (if the countermeasure 

was too late), that is now being stimulated by suddenly 

increased iodine levels from the administration of iodine 

supplements.  This tends the thyroid to undergo 

functional changes, and there is some evidence from 

Chernobyl populations that the metabolic stimulation of 

the irradiated organ can lead to a more rapid development 

of thyroid cancer.  Thus, the suggestion is that if the 

organ has already been irradiated, one should NOT 

administer iodine as it may bring about metabolic changes 

that would promote a more rapid development of a 

potential tumor.



The time and length of administration of the iodine 

supplement is critical.  It is effective if administered 

BEFORE the plume arrives, but can be damaging if 

administered AFTER the plume departs.  This suggests that 

a pre-incident distribution of small quantites may be 

appropriate, but I think there are a lot of arguments 

(based upon the outcome of preventing or mitigating 

cancer) suggesting that KI supplementation is certainly 

not a cure-all.





Jim Barnes, CHP

james.g.barnes@att.net

> I have heard some discussion in past years on distributing KI elsewhere, but 

> don't remember details. 

> 

> I believe I read about a similar program where KI was distributed and people in 

> the public sector immediately ingested the alotment of KI as they were 

> frightened of a potential future event.

> 

> The evaluation of the program needs to consider the following (which I believe 

> some of this group can answer):

> 

> 1.  What is the risk of adverse affects from ingestion of KI?  Is there an 

> electrolyte effect from K?  What happens when children have too much K?

> 

> 2.  What education process will prevent people from misusing KI?

> 

> 3.  What is the shelf life of KI?

> 

> 4.  What distribution process would ensure that the stockpiles are up to date 

> including as persons move within the 50 mi radius?

> 

> 5.  What are the risks of NOT taking KI?

> 

> 6.  What is the cost of this ongoing program?

> 

> 

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