Iodine does not "collect" radiation in your blood. Some of the radioactive contaminants from fission include radioactive iodine isotopes which can be taken up by the thyroid via the thyroid iodine transporter. The transport system in the thyroid for iodine does not distinguish between a radioactive iodine atom and a non-radioactive idodine atom. So if you saturate the thyroid iodine transporter with non-radioactive iodine the radio active isotopes are not absorbed into the thyroid. It is called competitive inhibition of transport of one isotope over another.
In the end this is all panic driven. You will not receive that much from this accident. Also remember all the atmospheric atomic tests done by the US and Soviets? We did 228 atmospheric tests between 1945 and 1962 http://www.cddc.vt.edu/host/atomic/atmosphr/index.html
I would not be in the least surprised to learn, once all has been said and done, that more people end up dying from popping potassium pills, than all deaths attributable to this nuclear plant's crisis and any ensuing long-term effects from radiation.
Most people have such a completely mis-informed and irrational fear of nuclear power, and the effects of radiation. I suppose it is understandable, given the horrors that the bombings of Hiroshima/Nagasaki unleashed, and the fear mongering during the cold war era. . . but still, people need to educate themselves about how much safer nuclear energy actually is when compared to other forms.
People need to actually look up how many people died or developed cancer as a result of such crises as Chernobyl and TMI . . .and then find some statistics on death/cancer/injury rates in regards to the production of coal and oil generated power.
No one is saying that this is a good or an easy situation, or that there might be some terrible effects. . .but it just bothers me how disproportionately the news is focusing on this, instead of the real tragedy still unfolding with the tsunami effects. . .which dwarf anything that could possibly come from the nuclear plant issue. The major news outlets have been terrible at perpetuating overblown fears surrounding this incident.
It should be against the law to save stupid people from themselves.
If someone is really so f**king ball gargling stupid that they start popping KI because of a minor radioactive leak in a country 5000 or so miles away, then they shouldn't be helped. I'm sorry, but we have 7 billion people on this planet. We can afford to neglect a few....
It should be against the law to save stupid people from themselves.
If someone is really so f**king ball gargling stupid that they start popping KI because of a minor radioactive leak in a country 5000 or so miles away, then they shouldn't be helped. I'm sorry, but we have 7 billion people on this planet. We can afford to neglect a few....
Sadly it is a somewhat true assessment, Americans in general are easily swayed by fear and scenarios of doom and gloom. Proved by people running out and getting Kl before they apparently did any real research on it.
It is also not an unknown, there is no reason to take potassium iodide in the US. It only effects iodine-131, which has a half-life of 8 days. If any managed to get across the Pacific in that time, it would be in such a small amount and diluted enough to pose no risk to humans.
Kl is also not really recommended for people over 40, as the risk generally do not outweigh the risks from Kl itself to the thyroid. Unless you in a area where there is a great risk of a high dose of iodine-131, within a few hundred km of the release site, you would be at a greater risk of damaging your thyroid from ingesting Kl.
Caesium-137 and Strontium-90 are a greater risks to a global populous. Both have a half-life of roughly 30 years. They both get into the human food chain. Kl does nothing to protect from either of those types of radiation, both of those get into deeper tissue in your body, muscles, and bones.
It's sold out in the SF Bay Area. I know people who rushed out to buy it. Frankly I think it's kind of silly at this point but I guess that doesn't stop the masses.
Please do a survey of any and all people buying potassium pills and/or taking them and getting sick to determine what News they watch. I have a pretty good idea that 80%+ watch one network and its not hard to guess that Networks name.
The local Fox channel did a bit on how crazy folks were acting wanting to drive down from SF and meet up with people who work at a drug store to buy their packets offing a $100.00 per and how they have received threats if they didn't give it to them at the drug stores calling them liars when they said they were out.
potassium iodide tablet industry going to do the right thing and place warning and usage info right away? even a peal and stick label for current stock.
or will they cheer with joy over profits, raise the prices, bribe the gov regulators, and hire shills to post rad-fears all over the internet?
sandylandersMar 17, 2011Buried
Iodine does not "collect" radiation in your blood. Some of the radioactive contaminants from fission include radioactive iodine isotopes which can be taken up by the thyroid via the thyroid iodine transporter. The transport system in the thyroid for iodine does not distinguish between a radioactive iodine atom and a non-radioactive idodine atom. So if you saturate the thyroid iodine transporter with non-radioactive iodine the radio active isotopes are not absorbed into the thyroid. It is called competitive inhibition of transport of one isotope over another.
sandylandersMar 17, 2011Buried
In the end this is all panic driven. You will not receive that much from this accident. Also remember all the atmospheric atomic tests done by the US and Soviets? We did 228 atmospheric tests between 1945 and 1962 http://www.cddc.vt.edu/host/atomic/atmosphr/index.html
This site shows you where tests were conducted by the US, Soviets and France. http://www.atomicarchive.com/Almanac/Testing.shtml
A lot of radiation was released into the atmosphere and we are still here. So Bette, lets relax and have a martini :)
kwanijmlMar 17, 2011Buried
I would not be in the least surprised to learn, once all has been said and done, that more people end up dying from popping potassium pills, than all deaths attributable to this nuclear plant's crisis and any ensuing long-term effects from radiation.
Most people have such a completely mis-informed and irrational fear of nuclear power, and the effects of radiation. I suppose it is understandable, given the horrors that the bombings of Hiroshima/Nagasaki unleashed, and the fear mongering during the cold war era. . . but still, people need to educate themselves about how much safer nuclear energy actually is when compared to other forms.
People need to actually look up how many people died or developed cancer as a result of such crises as Chernobyl and TMI . . .and then find some statistics on death/cancer/injury rates in regards to the production of coal and oil generated power.
No one is saying that this is a good or an easy situation, or that there might be some terrible effects. . .but it just bothers me how disproportionately the news is focusing on this, instead of the real tragedy still unfolding with the tsunami effects. . .which dwarf anything that could possibly come from the nuclear plant issue. The major news outlets have been terrible at perpetuating overblown fears surrounding this incident.
agmlauncherMar 18, 2011Buried
It should be against the law to save stupid people from themselves.
If someone is really so f**king ball gargling stupid that they start popping KI because of a minor radioactive leak in a country 5000 or so miles away, then they shouldn't be helped. I'm sorry, but we have 7 billion people on this planet. We can afford to neglect a few....
norman619Mar 17, 2011Buried
People tend to overreact when faced with an unknown. Ignorance is what causes the most fear.
elmuerte17Mar 17, 2011Buried
In related news, I've started popping ibuprofen because I might get a headache next week.
seattlegirluwMar 17, 2011Buried
You can always count on Americans to overreact.
juniorbMar 18, 2011Buried
I've decided to go ahead and start chemotherapy. You know, just to be on the safe side.
agmlauncherMar 18, 2011Buried
It should be against the law to save stupid people from themselves.
If someone is really so f**king ball gargling stupid that they start popping KI because of a minor radioactive leak in a country 5000 or so miles away, then they shouldn't be helped. I'm sorry, but we have 7 billion people on this planet. We can afford to neglect a few....
norman619Mar 18, 2011Buried
Your characterization of all Americans in such a negative way only shows me how small-minded and ignorant YOU are.
ryokuchaaMar 18, 2011Buried
Sadly it is a somewhat true assessment, Americans in general are easily swayed by fear and scenarios of doom and gloom. Proved by people running out and getting Kl before they apparently did any real research on it.
It is also not an unknown, there is no reason to take potassium iodide in the US. It only effects iodine-131, which has a half-life of 8 days. If any managed to get across the Pacific in that time, it would be in such a small amount and diluted enough to pose no risk to humans.
Kl is also not really recommended for people over 40, as the risk generally do not outweigh the risks from Kl itself to the thyroid. Unless you in a area where there is a great risk of a high dose of iodine-131, within a few hundred km of the release site, you would be at a greater risk of damaging your thyroid from ingesting Kl.
Caesium-137 and Strontium-90 are a greater risks to a global populous. Both have a half-life of roughly 30 years. They both get into the human food chain. Kl does nothing to protect from either of those types of radiation, both of those get into deeper tissue in your body, muscles, and bones.
dirtyfriesMar 17, 2011Buried
It's sold out in the SF Bay Area. I know people who rushed out to buy it. Frankly I think it's kind of silly at this point but I guess that doesn't stop the masses.
darthmeatloafMar 17, 2011Buried
Paranoia, Paranoia, everybody's coming to get me...
wspnutMar 18, 2011Buried
erin brockovich wants to meet you
whodoneitMar 18, 2011Buried
Yeah, what ^ said.
neondistractionMar 18, 2011Buried
Yet you still felt it necessary to grace us with your presence? How charming.
garhentMar 17, 2011Buried
Please do a survey of any and all people buying potassium pills and/or taking them and getting sick to determine what News they watch. I have a pretty good idea that 80%+ watch one network and its not hard to guess that Networks name.
deportexportnowMar 18, 2011Buried
The local Fox channel did a bit on how crazy folks were acting wanting to drive down from SF and meet up with people who work at a drug store to buy their packets offing a $100.00 per and how they have received threats if they didn't give it to them at the drug stores calling them liars when they said they were out.
laurahoustonMar 17, 2011Buried
potassium iodide tablet industry going to do the right thing and place warning and usage info right away? even a peal and stick label for current stock.
or will they cheer with joy over profits, raise the prices, bribe the gov regulators, and hire shills to post rad-fears all over the internet?
we shall see.