Why pharamcy shelves in Europe are completly empty of Iodine?
Iodine tablets have since 2017 been recommended as a contingency measure. Approximately 2.2 million tablets are stored in the municipalities in Norway for this purpose. In addition, people under the age of 40 are recommended to buy iodine tablets at pharmacies as self-preparedness.
– Although no emissions from nuclear power plants in Ukraine have been reported, the risk of accidents and incidents is higher than normal due to the war in the country, says assistant health director in Europe.
Therefore, the directorate asks the municipalities to review their systems and ensure that iodine tablets can be distributed to the population at short notice.
A message from the Norwegian Directorate of Health comes after Russian forces took control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine .
This is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. A serious accident there can lead to a large release of radioactive substances that can blow towards Europe.
– Although the attack may cause concern, one should not get catastrophic thoughts. As a starting point, the Ukrainian nuclear power plants are resistant, says the radiation physicists.
But if there is one thing the pandemic has taught us, it is to be prepared for the unthinkable.
Not everyone needs iodine
An adult needs only one tablet. Children should not take a whole once. If you are over 40, you do not need to take the iodine tablets.
For people over the age of 40, iodine has no effect because the uptake into the thyroid gland is very low.
The main target group for iodine tablets is children under 18, pregnant and breastfeeding.
Only in very special situations will exposure to radioactive iodine entail a need for people between the ages of 18 and 40 to need iodine tablets. It is not automatic that iodine tablets will be necessary in the event of a nuclear accident in Europe, but because it may be necessary in some cases, we want to be well prepared for this.
– No need for panicking
In the last week, iodine tablets have been torn away from pharmacies in many countries especially Norway due to the war in Ukraine. People all over the country have obtained the tablets that can reduce the risk of cancer in a nuclear accident.
Even though pharmacies now get refills of iodine back on the shelves, there is no reason to stock up.
– There is no reason for panicking. You should have the tablets available, but it is not something you should take without further.
Europe on standby
The health authorities in Europe are reviewing their plans with a view to possible nuclear accidents.
It may be that nuclear power plants in Ukraine will have a demanding operating situation for several months and years to come. Therefore, this places increased demands on health preparedness throughout Europe.
– But what could be the consequences?
– It takes a lot before it affects the health of People. There must then be a meltdown with emissions of radioactive substances into the air which results in a fallout. And only if the concentration of radioactive iodine is high in Europe will it be relevant to consider the use of iodine tablets here.
And you? Are you ready for the unthinkable? Leave your comments below, let us know what you think?
Take our quiz about how to survive a nuclear attack, it will help you incase something like that happens.