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1. 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!!

2. What is the role of potassium iodide in radiological emergency preparedness?

The purpose of radiological emergency preparedness is to protect people from the effects of radiation exposure after an accident at a nuclear power plant. Evacuation is the most effective protective measure in the event of a radiological emergency because it protects the whole body (including the thyroid gland and other organs) from all radionuclides and all exposure pathways. However, in situations when evacuation is not feasible and in-place sheltering is substituted as an effective protective action, administering potassium iodide is a reasonable, prudent, and inexpensive supplement to evacuation and sheltering.

Potassium iodide is a special kind of protective measure in that it offers very specialized protection. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland against internal uptake of radioiodines that may be released in the unlikely event of a nuclear reactor accident.

3. What is the benefit of taking potassium iodide during a radiological accident?

When potassium iodide is ingested, it is taken up by the thyroid gland. In the proper dosage, and taken at the appropriate time, it will effectively saturate the thyroid gland in such a way that inhaled or ingested radioactive iodines will not be accumulated in the thyroid gland. The risk of thyroid effects is reduced. Such thyroid effects resulting from radioiodine uptakes due to inhalation or ingestion, or both, could result in acute, chronic, and delayed effects. Acute effects from high doses include thyroiditis, while chronic and delayed effects include hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

4. Does this rule imply that America's nuclear reactors are less safe?

The rule does not imply that the present generation of nuclear power plants are less safe than previously thought. On the contrary, present indications are that nuclear power plant safety has significantly improved since the existing current emergency preparedness requirements became effective after the Three Mile Island-2 accident in 1979.

5. Why does the rule require States to consider the use of potassium iodide instead of mandating its use?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will not require use of potassium iodide by the general public because the NRC believes that current emergency planning and protective measures--evacuation and sheltering--are adequate and protective of public health and safety. However, the NRC recognizes the supplemental value of potassium iodide and the prerogative of the States to decide the appropriateness of the use of potassium iodide by its citizens.

The NRC believes the final rule together with the decision to provide funding for the purchase of a States's supply of potassium iodide strikes a proper balance between encouraging (but not requiring) State authorities to take advantage of the benefits of potassium iodide.

By requiring consideration of the use of potassium iodide, the Commission recognizes the important role of States and local governments in matters of emergency planning.

This rule applies to States and Tribal governments that have a nuclear power plant within their borders and populations within the 10-mile emergency planning zone and to local governments designated by States to request funding for potassium iodide.

6. What does it mean for a State to consider the use of potassium iodide?

A State considering the use of potassium iodide would at least review the regulation (66 FR 5427 ; January 19, 2001 ), the Federal Policy on the Use of Potassium Iodide , the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines "Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies." , the FEMA guidelines, and the NRC disclaimer, and would briefly deliberate the State's position on the use of potassium iodide by the general public in the unlikely event of a severe nuclear reactor accident.

In the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) experience, States periodically review their emergency preparedness plans to ensure that the plans are up-to-date and account for the possibility of changed circumstances in any locality. The NRC expects that States that routinely schedule periodic reviews of their emergency preparedness plans would consider use of potassium iodide during their first scheduled review. NRC expects that States that do not routinely conduct such reviews would consider the use of potassium iodide whenever they schedule periodic emergency preparedness exercises.

7. What kinds of things should States consider in deciding whether to incorporate the use of potassium iodide in their emergency planning?

A list of the topics to be evaluated by the State and local authorities in deciding whether to institute a program for the use of potassium iodide by the general public can be found on the Decision to Incorporate Potassium Iodide page.

8. What are the recommended dosages of potassium iodide?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the Federal agency responsible for decisions about appropriate thresholds and dosages for use of potassium iodide. The FDA published their final guidelines on the use of potassium iodide and included revised dosages and intervention levels, "Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies."

9. Can individual members of the public obtain potassium iodide?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved potassium iodide as an over-the-counter medication. As with any medication, individuals should check with their doctor or pharmacist before using it. York County citizens can go to the York County Health Department located at 116 North Congress Street, York South Carolina or at 1070 Heckle Boulevard Rock Hill South Carolina.