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Science Proves Potassium Iodide Unnecessary Beyond 10 Miles of a Nuclear Power Plant
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The Science of Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Planning
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies determined in 1978 that a 10-mile radius around a nuclear power plant is an appropriate emergency planning zone in the event that a reactor releases radioactive materials. The projected radiation doses from most major reactor accidents would not be a threat to public health and safety beyond the 10-mile zone, the task force concluded.
The multi-agency task force also concluded that a 50-mile EPZ protects the public from limited exposure from consuming contaminated water, milk or food.
Federal law requires the companies that operate nuclear power plants to develop and exercise sophisticated emergency response plans to protect the public. The NRC and the states in which the plants are located approve these plans. The NRC coordinates approval of the plans with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for off-site emergency management. To maintain its operating license, each nuclear plant must have an approved emergency response plan. The primary protective measures for residents within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant are sheltering and evacuation.
There are detailed emergency plans in place for both the 10- and 50-mile planning zones. They are tested regularly by plant staff, federal regulators, and state and local emergency management officials.
Potassium Iodide: Secondary Protection May Help Thyroid
In 2001, the NRC revised its emergency planning regulations for nuclear power plants, providing the option for states to consider the use of KI to supplement evacuation and sheltering within the 10-mile EPZ.
Potassium iodide is a salt compound consisting of potassium and iodine. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce hormones that help control metabolism. In the event of exposure to radioactive iodine, which could be released in a nuclear power plant accident, a thyroid gland that is deficient in the stable iodine needed for normal functioning could absorb a significant amount of radioactive iodine.
If the individual takes KI within several hours of exposure, his or her thyroid gland will absorb KI, blocking absorption of the radioactive element. KI use is particularly effective for populations with an iodine deficiency. Such deficiency is rare in the United States. The Thyroid Foundation of America reports that “iodine deficiency is found almost everywhere in the world except North America,” adding that most inhabitants of the United States consume more iodine than necessary. The International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders reports that iodine consumption in the United States is sufficient.
The Science of Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Planning
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies determined in 1978 that a 10-mile radius around a nuclear power plant is an appropriate emergency planning zone in the event that a reactor releases radioactive materials. The projected radiation doses from most major reactor accidents would not be a threat to public health and safety beyond the 10-mile zone, the task force concluded.
The multi-agency task force also concluded that a 50-mile EPZ protects the public from limited exposure from consuming contaminated water, milk or food.
Federal law requires the companies that operate nuclear power plants to develop and exercise sophisticated emergency response plans to protect the public. The NRC and the states in which the plants are located approve these plans. The NRC coordinates approval of the plans with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for off-site emergency management. To maintain its operating license, each nuclear plant must have an approved emergency response plan. The primary protective measures for residents within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant are sheltering and evacuation.
There are detailed emergency plans in place for both the 10- and 50-mile planning zones. They are tested regularly by plant staff, federal regulators, and state and local emergency management officials.
Potassium Iodide: Secondary Protection May Help Thyroid
In 2001, the NRC revised its emergency planning regulations for nuclear power plants, providing the option for states to consider the use of KI to supplement evacuation and sheltering within the 10-mile EPZ.
Potassium iodide is a salt compound consisting of potassium and iodine. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce hormones that help control metabolism. In the event of exposure to radioactive iodine, which could be released in a nuclear power plant accident, a thyroid gland that is deficient in the stable iodine needed for normal functioning could absorb a significant amount of radioactive iodine.
If the individual takes KI within several hours of exposure, his or her thyroid gland will absorb KI, blocking absorption of the radioactive element. KI use is particularly effective for populations with an iodine deficiency. Such deficiency is rare in the United States. The Thyroid Foundation of America reports that “iodine deficiency is found almost everywhere in the world except North America,” adding that most inhabitants of the United States consume more iodine than necessary. The International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders reports that iodine consumption in the United States is sufficient.
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