Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident (2004) / Chapter Skim
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8 Conclusions and Recommendations
8 Conclusions and Recommendations
Pages 155-167
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From page 155... ...
to appropriate populations in the event of a radiological incident involving radiolodine. Further studies of the influence of perceived risk on public reaction to various KI distribution programs could inform decisions about whether and how most effectively to provide KT to appropriate populations.
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are produced during the operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) and during the detonation of nuclear weapons.
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Conclusion 2: Potassium iodide (KI) is an important agent for protection against thyroi~i-related health effects of exposure to radioiodine, if taken shortly before or after exposure.
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In the United States, NPPs have a pressure vessel with thick walls; the Chornoby! reactor had no such containment vessel.
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From page 159... ...
KI is a chemical compound that contains iodine and can be used to protect the thyroid gland from possible radiation injury by reducing the amount of radioiodine concentrated by the thyroid after inhalation of radioiodine. KI is also effective for protection against the harmful thyroid effects of radioiodine ingested in contaminated milk and other foods, but food testing and interdiction programs in place throughout the United states are more effective preventive strategies for ingestion pathways.
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Recommendation 2: KT distribution should be included in the planning for comprehensive radiological incident response programs for nuclear power plants. KI distribution programs should consider predistribution, local stockpiling outside the emergency planning zone (EPZ)
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Recommendations Recommendation I: A better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, shorI-term and long-term successes anti failures, and resource requirements of different K! distribution plans implemented in the United States and abroad would be extremely helpful for designing and implementing effective future KI distribution programs.
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~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , ShOUlO Be Based on risk estimates Derived from calculations of site-speciBlc averted thyroid doses for the most vulnerable populations. In the United States, public health and safety are state responsibilities.
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The radiological dose to the thyroid can then be used to determine site-specific risk estimates, taking into account demographics and distance from the radioactive iodine source for use in incident-response planning to protect the vulnerable population in geographic areas determined to be at significant risk for radioiodine exposure. The existing FDA guidance in the United States addresses seven risk groups with three different thresholds of thyroid radiation exposure at which the administration of KI would be advised.
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From page 164... ...
The federal government already has in place a number of mechanisms to provide assistance in the event of a natural disaster, accident, or other incident through such organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FEMA. It is appropriate that KI remains in the vendor managed inventory provisions available to local and state authorities in the event of a radiological incident involving radioiodine.
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Conclusion Although questions remain regarding long-term health risks from radioiodine, particularly among potentially high-risk subgroups, there is now sufficient medical and scientific literature to estimate dose-related thyroid cancer risks following exposure to radioactive iodine.
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Recommendations Recommendation 1: K} distribution plans should include a carefully developed and tested public education program with continuing evaluation to ensure effectiveness and continued access to KI by the appropriate population. Implementation of a KI distribution plan is only the first step in providing protection against thyroid cancer from radioiodine exposure.
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From page 167... ...
Research is needed to develop more effective K} distribution programs that address the critical issues of KI availability to appropriate at-risk populations, Redistribution approaches to improve long-term public awareness of the location of KI tablets, and effective risk-communication strategies to maximize information transfer and minimize public anxiety. Research is also required to improve understanding the effect of dietary iodine in modifying the carcinogenic risk posed by radioiodine; of the type, frequency, and clinical course of thyroid tumors that develop in those exposed to radioiodine as children; of the risk of thyroid carcinogenesis in adults exposed to radioiodine in fallout; of the risk and mechanisms of autoimmune disease and hypothyroidism after radioiodine exposure; and of the risk of tumor development at other sites after radioiodine exposure.
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