Re: US NRC Press Release re Thyroid Protection/Emergencies-Reply

[Bob Hite <BobHite@ies.iec-energy.com>]

I agree with almost everything that's written below.  I would like to
question the last assertion, however and would be interested in some dialog
with respect to radioIodine allergies.  My understanding is that no one is
allergic to elemental Iodide.  The immune system does not mount a response
to elemental ionic species.  It mounts a response to (hopefully) foreign
macromolecules.  The perception that people are allergic to Iodine,
including Iodine in the form of KI, was the observation that some
individuals develop allergies to shellfish which are known to have high
levels of Iodine.  This Iodine, however, is complexed with or actually a
part of larger protein molecules which are what triggers the immune
response.  If someone out there knows of research that demonstrates an
immune response to elemental ionic species, including the Iodide in KI, I
would be surprised.  Also, does anyone know why there is a shelf life
associated with a salt like KI.  It has never made sense to me. I've always
been curious if there is really any technical merit to this shelf life, or
is it just a mechanism to ensure ongoing sales? Thanks in advance for any
feedback.

>>> Kenneth Prendergast <KMP@nrc.gov> 01/20 9:03 PM >>>
At the risk of being synical, this seems like another case of someone with
good
intentions missing the point.  10 CFR 50.47 requires a range of protective
actions for
the plume exposure pathway(EPZ) for emergency workers and the public.  A
license
is issued when such plans have been approved.  Such actions have already
been
developed and are in place and none of us are expecting a rash of new
licenses in the
next 10-20 years.   The protection of the public falls under the state and
local agencies
and these actions may and, if memory serves me, includes the issuance
potassium
iodide.   The NRC does not need our licensee to require potassium iodide to
be issued
under the state and local emergency plans.  FEMA reviews and approves
Emergency
Plans for the state and local agencies and routinely holds drills and
exercises to test
the emergency plans.   This petition seems like a waste a time and
resources and
should be responded to in such a manner.  Additionally, since many people
are
allergic to iodine,  not all people can take the pills and the state or
local may be liable
for illness caused by the pills.  

Again these are the thoughts of the author and not the agency who employs
the
author.  KMP@NRC.GOV, 510/975-0255