In order to protect the population from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine on the thyroid gland in the event of a nuclear or radiological accident at the Astrav nuclear power plant (Belarus), this week the twenty remaining Vilnius district were handed over to the ward elders potassium iodide tablets, intended for residents who fall within the defined extended planning distance, that is, those who live within a radius of 100 km from the Astrav nuclear power plant under construction (Belarus).
In the near future, to the residents of Avižienii, Bezdonii, Dūkšti, Juodšilii, Maišiagala, Marijampolis, Medininkai, Mickūnai, Nemenčinė, Nemēži, Paberžė, Pagiriai, Riešė, Rudamina, Rukainai, Sudervė, Sužioni, Šatrininkai, Zujūnai, Nemenčinė city councils who have declared their place of residence in the mentioned wards, stable iodine preparations will be distributed with the help of the elders. Residents will be able to pick up the preparations intended for them in the ward. At the same time, information sheets in 4 languages (Lithuanian, Polish, Russian and English) with instructions on when and how to use this preparation in case of an emergency and recommendations (in Lithuanian, Polish and Russian) on what to do in case of a nuclear or radiological incident will be distributed.
We remind you that potassium iodide tablets have already been distributed to the residents of Buivydžių, Kalvelių and Lavoriškii townships, who fall into the zone of emergency protective measures, that is, those who live within a radius of 30 km from the Astrava nuclear power plant under construction.
Useful information for residents regarding the use of stable iodine tablets
SAM reminds that potassium iodide tablets only protect against radioactive iodine, but not against other radioactive substances that are released into the environment in the event of a nuclear accident, so they should only be used on the recommendation of the authorities.
Potassium iodide tablets recommended to use less than 24 hours before to possible inhalation or ingestion of radioactive iodine. Blocking the thyroid gland with potassium iodide is still effective 2 hours after inhalation or ingestion of radioactive iodine, but not later than 8 hours. Using potassium iodide tablets at times other than prescribed can be harmful.
A single daily dose of 65 mg of potassium iodide tablets for different age groups of people:
| Age | Single daily dose of potassium iodide tablets, mg |
| Newborns up to 1 month | 16 (quarter of tablets) |
| Babies from 1 month up to 3 years | 32 (half tablet) |
| Children from 3 to 12 years old | 65 (one tablet) |
| Children from 12 years and adults | 130 (two tablets) |
A single daily dose of potassium iodide tablets protects the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine for 24 hours.
For newborns under 1 month of age, pregnant and lactating women, and people over 60 years of age, it is recommended to use only one daily dose of potassium iodide tablets. For other groups of the population, in the event of an unfavorable emergency situation (prolonged release of radioactive substances into the environment, there is no possibility to safely evacuate people, etc.), another daily dose may be recommended.
It is advisable to take potassium iodide tablets after a meal. Tablets can be dissolved in water or liquid baby food. Dissolved tablets are used immediately, as the active substance disintegrates quickly.
Side effects of potassium iodide tablets occur rarely, information about this is provided in the package leaflet of potassium iodide tablets.
For the protection of the thyroid gland during a nuclear or radiological accident, it is not suitable to use alcoholic or aqueous iodine solutions sold in pharmacies, sprays with iodine, food supplements with iodine, because they would not protect the thyroid gland from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine due to the small amount of stable iodine they contain.
Why potassium iodide is needed and what additional measures to take in the event of a nuclear incident:
According to health experts, in the event of a nuclear accident, radioactive iodine could become airborne, and if contaminated air is inhaled or food contaminated with it (milk, drinking water, wild vegetables, berries, etc.) is ingested, the radioactive iodine would accumulate in the thyroid gland and damage it, and after a few years could develop thyroid cancer. Therefore, potassium iodide tablets are used to protect the thyroid gland from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine. The stable iodine contained in these tablets accumulates in the thyroid gland and protects it from exposure to radioactive iodine. Potassium iodide tablets are used only on the recommendation of SAM.
It is also important to know that potassium iodide tablets only protect against radioactive iodine, but not against other radioactive substances that are released into the environment in the event of a nuclear accident. As a result, in the event of an emergency, it is necessary to take other protective measures - first of all, stay outside, hide inside, close windows and doors, follow information, prepare for a possible evacuation or follow other instructions received.
Lithuania, setting the requirements for the use of potassium iodide tablets in the event of a nuclear accident, is guided by the 2017 according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
