Potassium Iodate, according to Wikipedia, is a chemical compound that is, at the same time, ionic. Potassium Iodate is made up of K+ ions and IO3− ions in a 1:1 ratio. In addition, Potassium Iodate is an oxidizing agent. Oxidizing agents are substances that can let other substances lose their electrons. A chemical reaction occurs that allows the oxidizing agent to remove either only one or even more electrons from another substance or atom.
In line with that, Potassium Iodate is commonly used or applied for radiation protection.
Radiation Protection
The beneficial purpose of the Potassium Iodate when it comes to Radiation protection is quite vital. Because it is in charge of not enabling radioactive iodine to accumulate on the person's thyroid, the way it takes place is that the Potassium Iodate supplies the body with enough source of iodine. This should always be done before radiation exposure.
Some countries are known to stock Potassium Iodate in tablet form for safety precautions. Also, it is safe and legal because it is approved by the World Health Organization. However, certain promoters of this product promise consumers that it can be used as a Thyroid blocker. Where in, as a matter of fact, that is not the case. That is why the U.S Food and Drug Administration has taken matters into action to stop this false advertisement of the product.
FUN FACT
Since the chaos of the 9/11 attack happened, Ireland had issued that every household must be distributed with Potassium Iodate tablets for protection. On the contrary, it has been found out through an experiment by an anonymous Irish expert that the distribution and results were not successful as it has been anticipated. So, the Irish government concluded to dispose of the tablets instead.
Important Uses of Potassium Iodate
Other promoters or websites of the Potassium Iodate would often market the product as a Thyroid blocking agent. But, as mentioned earlier, Potassium Iodate does not work that way. It helps reduce the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid area. Potassium Iodate is commonly used in cases wherein a nuclear explosion or accident just happened.
When a Nuclear emergency has been called for, Potassium Iodate is then used to protect you from the radiation. Radiation carries radioactive iodines that spread throughout the environment after a nuclear accident. Radioactive Iodines are extremely harmful, especially for children and babies. The ta, blets will act as a shield or stoppage for your thyroid to not intake radioactive iodine.
Precautions Before Taking Potassium Iodate
Always Check the Ingredients of the Tablet
Checking the ingredients of the Potassium Iodate is of utmost importance. This ensures that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and prevent unwanted side effects. Most importantly, if you come to discover that you are allergic to any iodine substances, it is certain that you will be allergic to Radioactive Iodine as well. This is another matter that needs to be urgently discussed with your doctor.
Do not take Potassium Iodate IF:
- You have a skin disease that causes you to itch whenever coming across gluten, called Dermatitis Herpetiformis, then do not take Potassium Iodate.
- When you have kidney troubles or any problem related to your kidney.
- You have Hypocomplementaemic Vasculitis.
- You are/were diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland.
- Due to extreme heat, you got dehydrated or are suffering from cramps.
Pregnancy
If you are currently pregnant, expecting pregnancy, or want to have one, always advise your doctor, especially if you are breastfeeding. Taking Potassium Iodate is not prohibited during pregnancy but is highly limited. Potassium Iodate should be taken at a minimum number and a lower dosage.
ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU EVER HAD EXPERIENCE OR ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE ABOVE. IT IS FOR YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE PRESCRIBED TO TAKE POTASSIUM IODATE.
In addition, always remember to inform your doctor or pharmacist of recent or current taken medicines or drugs. May it is prescribed or not. This is important to disclose to your doctor to ensure added safety and avoid unnecessary risks.
How to Take Potassium Iodate?
Ideally, Potassium Iodate is used right after a nuclear accident. As soon as you are advised to do so, the ideal dosage is a single tablet for adults. There are different ways and dosages to take Potassium Iodate due to age restrictions.
For newborn babies, the ideal manner to let them take Potassium Iodate is to crush a 1/4 part of the tablet and mix it with their formula or even water. If the newborn baby is still in the hospital, please advise the assigned nurse to respond immediately. They already know the standard protocol on how to give newborn babies Potassium Iodate after a nuclear incident. If not, the ideal dosage for newborn babies is 12.5mg of iodine in replacement for their basic, given solution.
For months-old infants, the same manner as that from newborn babies is to be followed. To take 1/4 part of the Potassium Iodate tablet, crush it and mix it with their milk or water.
For children, one tablet of Potassium Iodate should be taken. The same steps should be taken by crushing it and mixing it with jams, yogurts, or juices.
CAUTION: When exposed to radiation for a long period, it is necessary to take another dose of Potassium Iodate. However, this is not advised to those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and newborn babies. Afterward, always keep in mind to go and consult the physician or doctor to have the thyroid checked if it is in its normal condition or not. Hazardous risks follow for those who might have taken more of the Potassium Iodate than they should.
Signs That You Might Have Taken Potassium Iodate More Than You Should
- A swelling sensation inside and around the throat is
- Constant headaches or dizziness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Having difficulties with your vision (i.e., blurriness)
- Unable to breathe properly and easily
- Internal bleeding, particularly on the stomach or intestine area. This will cause you to either have some blood spots on your stool or when you vomit.
If you experience any of this, it is just important to contact your doctor immediately for immediate assistance.
What is Radiation in the Concept of a Nuclear Explosion?
Radiation is a type of energy while undergoing transmission. It comes in all shapes and forms that are nearly impossible for us to see by our naked eye. Radiation is almost found anywhere, everywhere. It can take visible light, the ultra-violet rays that we get from the sun, the channeling signals to and from the radio and television are the most common forms of radiation that we are usually exposed to.
Especially in today's generation, almost all people in all groups of ages are always glued to their mobile devices or high technological gadgets, which will lead to a much higher risk of being exposed to radiation. However, the good news is that these forms of radiation are not classified as extremely harmful or deadly. For the reason that these examples of radiation are grouped as non-ionizing radiation. As opposed to the sun rays' radiation, though, wherein that it is ionizing.
So, What is Ionizing Radiation Then?
Ionizing radiation is the kind of radiation associated with nuclear energies and nuclear medicine usage. An example of ionizing radiation is the X-ray.
Ionizing radiation is the type of radiation that carries an amount of energy that makes it just as enough to interact with matter, such as the human body.
Nuclear radiation arises from hundreds of different kinds of unstable atoms. While many exist in nature, the majority are created in nuclear reactions. Ionizing radiation, which can damage living tissue, is emitted as the unstable atoms (radionuclides) change ('decay') spontaneously to become different kinds of atoms. -World Nuclear Association
Types of Ionizing Radiation
There are principal kinds of ionizing radiation as categorized by the World Nuclear Association. It is just as important to be aware of such kinds to determine the sources of these harmful and radiation and potentially prevent themselves from being exposed to it.
Alpha Particles
This kind of ionizing radiation is probably the least harmful among the other ionizing radiation because Alpha Particles cannot penetrate the human skin. So, it is only considered harmful or even deadly once it is emitted inside the human body. The Alpha Particles are commonly carried by larger radioactive nuclei such as uranium, thorium, radium, and transuranic elements.
Beta Particles
Among the other ionizing radiation types, the Beta Particles are considered fast-traveling radiation particles. The Beta Particles are a little bit dangerous than the Alpha particles. They can penetrate the skin, but only a limited extent or depth since the Beta particles can easily be shielded. A common result of being exposed to Beta Particles is acquiring sunburn.
Gamma Rays
Compared to the two Ionizing radiation particles, the Gamma Ray is considered the most harmful among all of them. Substantial shielding is further required because its ability to penetrate the human skin is quite persistent.
With all these kinds of Radiation that are proven to be indeed harmful to human health, it is by far necessary for us to understand what these types of radiation do to our health in particular. Given the awareness and knowledge of the possible effects of radiation on our health, it may enlighten us to think and take precautionary methods to prevent such danger to ourselves.
The Effects of Nuclear Accidents on the Human Health
There have been many incidents of Nuclear Explosion all across the globe. Especially, the most common nuclear accident is power plant explosions. Alarmingly, the effect of radiation emitted from the nuclear explosion on a person's health has increased drastically over the past decades.
Apart from the fires and falling debris that the explosion causes, which is also extremely harmful and even deadly to humans, another source is threatening people's health. That is the radiation that evolves from the explosion incident. Unfortunately, the effect of radiation comes up fast, also depending on the period of exposure you are to it. Employees and people near the scene of a nuclear explosion are at higher risk for acquiring radiation syndrome caused by radioactive materials emitted from the explosion.
The radiation is coming from the nuclear explosion directly targets the DNA of a person. Furthermore, the dividing cells responsible for the regeneration of a person's tissues, bones, and skin are also at extreme risk. Most importantly, because of the radiation, a person's brain may also be affected and damaged. These can cause, depending on the period you are exposed to the radiation, allergic skin reactions such as a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, instant coma, or death.
The longer you are exposed to such radiation, the worse your health conditions become. The deeper and inner the radiation damages your internal body organs, such as gut damages, blood infection, disruption of red and white blood cell production, and many more that are impossible to imagine. Hence, the harder it will be for a medical specialist to cure you.
Potassium Iodate and its Significance on Radiation Protection
With all of the above mentioned, this could conclude that Potassium Iodate is significantly important for Radiation Protection.
Given all advancements and technologies, we can say that we are no longer guarded when nuclear explosions might occur. So, it is best always to be informed and prepare to avoid unwanted risks and even losses.
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