Potassium iodide is a salt, similar to table salt. Potassium iodide is the ingredient that is routinely added to table salt to make it A iodized. The purpose of radiological emergency preparedness is to protect people from the effects of radiation exposure after an accident at a nuclear power plant. However, there may be situations when evacuation is not feasible or is delayed. In-place sheltering is an effective protective action in such a situation.
Potassium iodide is a reasonable, prudent and inexpensive supplement to evacuation and sheltering.
Potassium iodide is a special kind of protective measure in that it offers very specialized protection. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland against internal uptake of radioiodines that may be released in the unlikely event of a nuclear reactor accident. When potassium iodide is ingested, it is taken up by the thyroid gland. In the proper dosage, and taken at the appropriate time, it will effectively saturate the thyroid gland such that inhaled or ingested radioactive iodines will not be accumulated in the thyroid gland. Radioiodine uptakes from inhalation or ingestion, or both, could result in acute, chronic, and delayed effects.