What is potassium iodide (KI)?
Potassium iodide is a salt, similar to table salt. Its chemical symbol is KI. It is routinely added to table salt to make it "iodized." Potassium iodide, if taken in time and at the appropriate dosage, blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of radioactive iodine and thus could reduce the risk of thyroid cancers and other diseases that might otherwise be caused by exposure to radioactive iodine that could be dispersed in a severe nuclear accident. It only protects the thyroid!!

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1. What is potassium iodide (KI)?
2. What is the role of potassium iodide in radiological emergency preparedness?
3. What is the benefit of taking potassium iodide during a radiological accident?
4. Does this rule imply that America's nuclear reactors are less safe?
5. Why does the rule require States to consider the use of potassium iodide instead of mandating its use?
6. What does it mean for a State to consider the use of potassium iodide?
7. What kinds of things should States consider in deciding whether to incorporate the use of potassium iodide in their emergency planning?
8. What are the recommended dosages of potassium iodide?
9. Can individual members of the public obtain potassium iodide?