RE: [Fwd: [OEM] [OEM!] US Bill: Mandatory KI Stockpiling]

["Neil, David M" <neildm@ID.DOE.GOV>]

I have read the follow-ups to this before replying, and several people have

brought up some valid effects of potassium levels.  However ...



My father having taken potassium supplements for years, I offer some

observations from that and other sources of knowledge.



The effects of hyperkalemia are portrayed accurately - that's why KCl is

used as one of the chemicals for executions.  

Hypokalemia (not enough) has some nasty effects too, just not as quickly

fatal.  Muscle cramps are a warning signal.

The body regulates excess K pretty efficiently for the exact reason of its

action in nerve and muscle action.  

The greatest risk appeared to be gastric irritation, for this reason he took

a (chelated?) version that released slower.

He took the supplements to counteract the 'washout' effect of taking a

diuretic for his heart condition.

Sodium is more detrimental than potassium; that's why some people have to

use KCl "NoSalt(tm)" instead of "real" NaCl salt.



Prevention of misuse? "Make something idiot-proof, and somebody comes up

with a better grade of idiot."

Shelf life? Infinite for the KI itself, the binder might break down after

while.





Dave Neil		neildm@id.doe.gov



	





-----Original Message-----

From: BLReider@AOL.COM [mailto:BLReider@AOL.COM]

Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001 2:04 PM

To: radsafe

Subject: RE: [Fwd: [OEM] [OEM!] US Bill: Mandatory KI Stockpiling]





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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