Re: Potassium Iodide administration

[LIPTONW@detroitedison.com]

I doubt that the routine use of KI would be acceptable in place of engineering 
controls.  10 CFR 20.1701 states that, "The licensee shall use, to the extent 
practical, process or other engineering controls (e.g., containment or 
ventilation) to control the concentrations of radioactive material in air."  
If you are failing to do this and are, instead, depending on KI to minimize 
uptakes, you could be cited.  You must also consider potential allergies, as 
well as the contamination of work areas and uptakes by those not directly 
involved with the work. 
 
As an aside, I once had a researcher who performed iodinations, who did not 
have a thyroid - the perfect radioiodine worker!  Even then, engineering 
controls and good work practices had to be maintained. 
 
The opinions expressed are strictly mine. 
Here's to a risk free world, and other fantasies. 
 
Bill Lipton 
liptonw@detroitedison.com

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• To: Multiple,recipients,of,list,radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
• Subject: Potassium Iodide administration
• From: "radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu" <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
• Date: 29 Apr 97 10:15:50
• Reply-to: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu

Does anyone out there have any information on routine oral administration
of KI. I am considering the possibility of offering this option for
researchers performing iodinations  who would like to minimize their uptake
of radioiodine. Any ideas or info?

Rich Sobilo    RSO
Beckman Instruments, Inc.

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