Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident (2004) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-8
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The task set before the committee is described in the following scope of work. On the basis of its assessment, the committee was to make recommendations to the President of the United States and Congress within 9 months after the start of the study regarding
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To understand the context of the statement of task presented above, the committee believed that it was important to provide background information on the effects of radioactive iodine and KI on the thyroid gland and to explore various options for using KI to protect the thyroid. In this report, we describe the benefits of and risks posed by K} administration to different population groups and focus particularly on protecting children, the most vulnerable group (tasks a and c)
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Nevertheless, nuclear power plants in the United States contain a source of radioactive iodine that in the event of a very severe incident might impose risks of exposure, which could lead to thyroid cancers. Given that KI is effective in protecting against potential thyroid cancer, KT distribution plans should be considered.
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KI tablets are readily available, are inexpensive, and have a long shelf-life if the tablets are stored in a package designed to prevent exposure to light and moisture. Although the iodate chemical form is used in some European countries and is also stable, it has traditionally not been used as a blocking agent in the United States and is not as readily available.
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2. KI distribution should be included in the planning for comprehensive radiological incident response programs for nuclear power plants.
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Implementation Issues Related to Potassium iodide Distribution and Stockpile Programs On the basis of its assessment, the committee reached the following conclusion and offers a number of recommendations regarding potassium iodide distribution programs. Conclusion A strategy is needed whereby local planning agencies could develop geographic boundaries for a KI distribution plan based on site-specific considerations because conditions and states vary so much that no single best solution exists.
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Ad~litional Research Needed On the basis of its assessment of the current state of information regarding KI distribution programs, the committee reached the following conclusion and offers a number of recommendations for further studies that will improve the base of knowledge on which to make related public-health decisions. 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 doserelated thyroid cancer risks following exposure to radioactive iodine.
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An evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures (short-term and long-term) , and resource requirements of the different KI distribution plans implemented in the US and abroad should be conducted by a federal agency to aid states and local regions in designing and implementing effective KI distribution programs.
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