What is Potassium Iodide?
A. Potassium iodide (KI) is a salt compound. The element iodine is routinely added to table salt to make it “iodized.” KI is available in tablet form, over-the-counter, without a prescription. Q. What will KI do? A. Taking a tablet of KI will help to protect your thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine that may be released in a radiological emergency. The thyroid gland is the only part of the body that is protected by KI. However, KI is not a magic anti-radiation pill and will only protect the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the part of the body that quickly absorbs potentially harmful radioactive iodine. KI will not protect against all radioactive materials. It is only effective against radioactive iodine when taken at the time of or immediately following a radiological release. Evacuation is the best way to protect yourself and your family if there is a release of radioactive iodine in your area. Q. How will I know when to tak
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.
Potassium iodide is the potassium salt form of iodide, a naturally occurring substance. Potassium iodide is an expectorant. It thins mucus secretions in the respiratory tract that may be caused by chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Potassium iodide is also used to protect the thyroid gland from radiation injury before and following administration of radioactive iodide (e.g., for diagnostic purposes) and in radiation emergencies (e.g., accidental exposure to radiation). Potassium iodide may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
