Potassium Iodide (KI)
Distance yourself as much as possible from the radiation source. Depending on the size of the event, radiation exposure can happen for several miles around. Even when indoors, it is advisable to stay away from doors, windows, and even walls – stay close to the center of the space to maximize protection.
KI works by blocking radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid. When a person takes KI, the stable iodine in the medicine gets absorbed by the thyroid. There is so much stable iodine in the KI that the thyroid gland becomes “full” and cannot absorb any more iodine—either stable or radioactive—for the next 24 hours.
Yes, though it may not widely available in drug stores near you. Since it is not a prescription drug, you can buy it over the Internet. As with other drugs, make sure the KI you buy has been approved by the FDA.
There is no point in taking iodine as a precautionary measure to prevent against radiation exposure after a leak or attack on a nuclear power plant. The thyroid only stores iodine for a limited amount of time. And taking too much iodine — even the good stuff — can be dangerous.
Beta particles travel appreciable distances in air, but can be reduced or stopped by a layer of clothing, thin sheet of plastic or a thin sheet of aluminum foil. Several feet of concrete or a thin sheet of a few inches of lead may be required to stop the more energetic gamma rays.
Depending on the dose, the effects of radiation can be mild or life-threatening. There is no cure, but barriers can prevent exposure and some medications may remove some radiation from the body. Anyone who believes they have been exposed to radiation should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Eating an antioxidant-rich diet before and after your CT scan can help increase your body's ability to get rid of radiation. Vitamin E and vitamin C are especially helpful in protecting your body.
Lead has long been considered "the element of choice" for radiation shielding due to its attenuating properties. Lead is a corrosion-resistive and malleable metal. Lead's high density (11.34 grams per cubic centimeter) makes it an effective barrier against X-ray and gamma-ray radiation.
For example, there are a number of antioxidants, including caffeine, melatonin, flavonoids, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals (e.g., albana), which are shown to decrease radiation-induced damage in either plasmid or cellular DNA through the scavenging of oxygen radicals and/or peroxides.
Decontamination involves removing external radioactive particles. Removing clothing and shoes eliminates about 90 percent of external contamination. Gently washing with water and soap removes additional radiation particles from the skin. Decontamination prevents radioactive materials from spreading more.
Treating Radiation Wounds
In some cases, prescription ointments or special wound dressings may be enough to allow the skin to fully recover. However, in the case of more severe or non-healing wounds, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be needed.
Often the side effects are worse at the end of treatment, or even a week or two afterwards, because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Most side effects are temporary and go away in time, usually within a few weeks of treatment finishing.
Potassium iodide (KI) is a type of iodine that is not radioactive and can be used to help block one type of radioactive material, radioactive iodine (I-131), from being absorbed by the thyroid.
Potassium iodide (KI) is a chemical compound that can be used to protect the thyroid gland from possible radiation injury caused by radioactive iodine (radioiodine). Some radiological emergencies may release large amounts of radioiodine to the environment.
Yes. People do not need to stop drinking milk because of concerns about radiation at these low levels. The levels of Iodine-131 found in milk are extremely low, and many times less than the FDA intervention level.
Gamma rays and X-rays:
Gamma rays and X-rays are penetrating. Several feet of concrete or a few inches of lead are required to stop them. Gamma rays are the reason why it is best to shelter in a basement or a centrally located room in a high rise. Gamma rays and X-rays are a radiation hazard for the entire body.
Stainless steel : Radiation protection properties
Stainless steels have excellent resistance to gamma radiation. However, under neutron flux, they produce capture gamma rays, with energies between 1 and 10 MeV, and activate at highly variable levels depending on the level of impurities (presence of Mn, CO, Ti, etc.).
Did you know that gold can be used to shield against radiation? NASA has been using the yellow metal in helmet visors since the 1960s. An ultra thin layer of gold is used to protect astronauts' eyes against infrared radiation.
ThyroSafe® (Potassium Iodide Tablets USP, 65 mg) (Abbreviated KI) Take potassium iodide (KI) only when public officials tell you. In a nuclear radiation emergency, radioactive iodine could be released into the air. KI protects only the thyroid gland from uptake of radioactive iodine.
A Soviet health official, countering rumors circulating after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, denied Wednesday that vodka is a cure for exposure to radiation.
During nuclear emergencies, iodized table salt should not be used as a substitute for KI since it will not provide protection against radioactive iodine, and because eating excessive amounts of iodized salt will itself pose a significant health hazard.