Is history repeating itself? Because radiation is in the air!
The Ukrainians are stockpiling potassium iodide to protect themselves from the radiation leak from nearby Nuclear plants. The shelling has caused extensive damage to nuclear plants. The IAEA inspectors found military trucks and equipment near Nuclear plants. The 6 reactors are protected but not indestructible.
"Customers are coming in daily looking for pills," a pharmacist in Kyiv told The New York Times.
Ukrainians are constantly under the threat of nuclear attacks. Kyiv City Council has distributed potassium iodide pills in city pharmacies. After the health ministry recommended buying pills there has been a shortage of iodine pills everywhere.
Why are iodine pills a panacea for Ukrainians?
Iodine pills are taken during radiation leaks. They offer protection against radioactive elements. According to WHO, the health hazards of radioactive materials are perpetual. Iodine tablets fill the thyroid so there is no place for radioactive iodine to accumulate in the thyroid. The thyroid gland doesn't differentiate between radioactive and non-radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine accumulates in the thyroid gland the same as non-radioactive iodine due to the biokinetic pathway. Iodine is used by the thyroid to make hormones in the body. The uptake of radioactive iodine may lead to thyroid cancer in the future.
According to public health authorities, the risk of thyroid cancer in children following exposure to radioactive iodine is the highest. Health authorities recommend taking iodine during nuclear exposures or nuclear power plant accidents. Potassium Iodide (KI) isn't a prophylactic pill, they are not to be taken as a prevention dose.
In order to avoid the nuclear catastrophe which is imminent; Ukrainians have tried to turn down their own reactors.
Reference:
