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The Illinois Department of Public Health is cautioning state residents not to take potasium iodide as a preventative medication against possible radiation fallout from Japan's nuclear generating plant crisis.
Anyone doing so "could be putting thier health at risk due to side effects," said department director Dr. Damon Arnold.
Potassium iodide is a non-prescription drug that can be used to protect the tyroid gland from expected exposure to higher radiation levels. It cannot protect other parts of the body, the department said in a news release.
And it can be harmful to people with allergies to iodine or shellfish, with certain skin disorders, renal disease, some chronic diseases or those with thyroid problems. Side effects can include nausea, upset stomach, rashes, inflammation of the salivary glands and possibly severe allergic reactions.
Given the distance between the U.S. and Japan, harmful levels of radiation are not expected here, the department said.
That view has been echoed by other scientists. "While tragic, this is a single source of radioactivity that will be highly diluted if it crosses the Pacific," said Daniel Jaffe, an atmospheric scientists at the University of Washington who is tracking fallout from Japan. "It is highly unlikely this would pose any risk to the West Coast, let alone Chicago."
More information on potassium iodide is available at the health department's website.
Anyone doing so "could be putting thier health at risk due to side effects," said department director Dr. Damon Arnold.
Potassium iodide is a non-prescription drug that can be used to protect the tyroid gland from expected exposure to higher radiation levels. It cannot protect other parts of the body, the department said in a news release.
And it can be harmful to people with allergies to iodine or shellfish, with certain skin disorders, renal disease, some chronic diseases or those with thyroid problems. Side effects can include nausea, upset stomach, rashes, inflammation of the salivary glands and possibly severe allergic reactions.
Given the distance between the U.S. and Japan, harmful levels of radiation are not expected here, the department said.
That view has been echoed by other scientists. "While tragic, this is a single source of radioactivity that will be highly diluted if it crosses the Pacific," said Daniel Jaffe, an atmospheric scientists at the University of Washington who is tracking fallout from Japan. "It is highly unlikely this would pose any risk to the West Coast, let alone Chicago."
More information on potassium iodide is available at the health department's website.