Japan's Nuclear Fallout Danger

----- Original Message -----
From: Kimberly Long
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 9:38 PM
Subject: Japan's Nuclear Fallout Danger

Dear Friends and Family

In response to the recent nuclear activity in the wake of Japan's devastation i felt compelled to research what was really happening there. Please be advised that Japan's nuclear fallout is a danger to the people of the US and abroad in the northern hemisphere. The below article spells out clearly what has happened in Japan and what the threats are. Some of the more scientific writings by scientists have turned out to not be accurate such as released clouds or radioactive steam dissipating in seconds when it hits he air. If it were true Tokyo would not have 23 times the normal radiation as reported by the Tokyo Municipal Government.

The human body can take up to about one half or one of what is called a sievert of radiation before radiation sickness will begin as stated in this link http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_units_of_radiation_can_a_human_safely_reccieve You will need a Geiger Counter or some kind of radiation detector, maybe one to share among neighbors or friends, to know how much radiation is around you.

Though you can purchase potassium iodide through a variety of sources i have included an ad from a company that describes potassium iodide very well at the bottom of the page. Before that you will find a page from MedicineNet.com on the side effects of potassium iodide. Please note that potassium iodide has the potential of making you sick in itself so make the efforts to find out what the levels are prior to ingesting the tablets, please refer to the side effects.

The article below is full of valuable information. There you will find out that we have all been duped with the fallout maps on the Internet going into 7 days of forecast. If we had done the math we would know that it only took roughly a day and a half for the radiation to reach the US. As stated in an other article the winds took the radiation south to Tokyo and it is not known at this time if the winds continued south or not. Please read the below writing to the end, you will see my highlighting in purple.

If you are in the radiation fallout zone now you can make a more intelligent decision weather to take the potassium iodide or not. Please remember your children are more susceptible then you to radiation poisoning and don't forget your animals/pets.

Be safe and God bless..
Kimberly

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kimberly Long
Date: Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 6:04 PM
Subject: Answers.com - How many units of radiation can a human safely reccieve
To: kimberly.huginc@gmail.com


http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_units_of_radiation_can_a_human_safely_reccieve


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West Coast USA Danger IF Japan Nuclear Reactor Meltdown
[Translate]
________________________________________

Nuclear Meltdown Alert – follow updates here – scroll down


“If they can’t restore power to the plant (and cool the reactor), then there’s the possibility of some sort of core meltdown”.
An alarming statement made by James Acton, a physicist who examined Japan’s Kashiwazaki nuclear plant after a 2007 earthquake, who told CNN that Japanese authorities are in race to cool down the Fukushima reactor.
Following the fifth largest earthquake in recorded world history, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, has resulted in the closure of all Japan’s nuclear power reactors, one of which, the Fukushima reactor, is overheating and in danger of a meltdown if coolant is not restored soon. It’s like a pressure cooker… when you have something generating heat and you don’t cool it off or release the steam…
Reported from abc NEWS, Scientists said that even though the reactor had stopped producing energy, its fuel continues to generate heat and needs steady levels of coolant to prevent it from overheating and triggering a dangerous cascade of events.
They go on to say, “Up to 100 percent of the volatile radioactive Cesium-137 content of the pools could go up in flames and smoke, to blow downwind over large distances,”
“Given the large quantity of irradiated nuclear fuel in the pool, the radioactivity release could be worse than the Chernobyl nuclear reactor catastrophe of 25 years ago.” said Kevin Kamps, a nuclear waste specialist.
Fukushima I (there are two plant locations) is one of the 25 largest nuclear power stations in the world.
How would a nuclear plant meltdown unfold?
• Control rods are driven back down into the core upon emergency (if rods don’t make it all the way… trouble)
• The coolant (water) could cease if backup systems fail (electricity, pumps, generators, batteries)
• Reactor continues to produce heat
• Numerous venting valve systems would release pressure above ~1,000 psi into containment vessel
• Eventually the uranium fuel encasement metal will melt (2,200 deg F)
• Radioactive contamination then released into the reactor vessel
• Radiation escapes into an outer, concrete containment building
• Radiation escapes into the environment as radioactive Fallout.

Not only would such a disaster be horrible for the local region and Japan, but other countries, namely the U.S. could be effected next by airborne fallout of radiation particles, the magnitude of which is yet to be determined.
Why would the west coast USA be in danger of Fallout?
The prevailing jet stream winds are blowing from Japan directly across the Pacific ocean to the west coast of the United States. Any airborne radioactive Fallout would make its way across with the jet stream, reaching the U.S. in approximately 36 hours, depending on the actual speed of the jet and how quickly the particles mixed in with the jetstream.
Image of the Jet Stream from Japan to the U.S.



AccuWeather.com

Update,
BBC News Asia-Pacific is now reporting that radiation levels inside the nuclear reactor are 1,000 times of normal, and there are now high levels (unspecified) ‘outside’ of the nuclear reactor plant. They report that people are being evacuated in an approximate 6-mile perimeter.
Map of Nuclear Power Plant Reactors in Japan

Fukushima Power Plant, Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) diagram

Update,
The Washington Post reports that a second nuclear reactor in the Fukushima power plant is also affected. The plant has a total of six reactors. Reports only a few hours left on battery power for cooling systems.
Update,
Clarification from NHK Wolrd News Japan… a second location, Fukushima II, not far from the Fukushima I nuclear power plant, is also experiencing cooling problems. The government’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said equipment failures have made it impossible to cool 3 of the plant’s 4 reactors. (Translation: ‘impossible’ is not a good word).
Update,
Reuters is now reporting that Tokyo Electric Power Company has lost ability to control pressure at some of the reactors at its Fukushima II (Daini) plant nearby the Daiichi power plant (Fukushima I), both suffering from core cooling problems. If battery power at Fukushima II is depleted before AC power is restored, the plant will stop supplying water to the core and the cooling water level in the reactor core will drop.
Update,
Kyodo news reports that the cooling system has now failed at three nuclear reactors at Fukushima II, and the coolant water temperature has reached boiling level.
Update,
Kyodo news reports, “the operator of the two plants in Fukushima Prefecture is set to release pressure in containers housing their reactors under an unprecedented government order, so as to avoid the plants sustaining damage and losing their critical containment function.” …”the action would involve the release of steam that would likely include radioactive materials”
Update,
From Kyodo news, Japan, URGENT: Concerns of core partially melting at Fukushima nuke plant. The core at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant’s No. 1 reactor may be partially melting, the nuclear safety agency said Saturday.
Reuters, Japan authorities: TEPCO plant fuel rods may have melted -Jiji, …could develop into a breach of the nuclear reactor vessel and the question then becomes one of how strong the containment structure around the vessel is and whether it has been undermined by the earthquake
Update,
Reuters, An explosion was heard and smoke was seen at the Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant, Jiji news agency quoted the police as saying on Saturday.
Outer structure of building that houses reactor at Fukushima plant appears to have blown off – NHK by Reuters_TonyTharakan at 3/12/2011 8:12:43 AM12:12 AM
Tepco says explosion may have been hydrogen used to cool Fukushima plant – Kyodo; Tepco says 4 people taken to hospital after reported explosion, no word on condition – Jiji
Update,
From The Associated Press, An explosion at a nuclear power station Saturday destroyed a building housing the reactor…the explosion destroyed the exterior walls of the building where the reactor is placed, but not the actual metal housing enveloping the reactor.
In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded and caught fire, sending a cloud of radiation and Fallout over much of Europe. That reactor – unlike the Fukushima one – was not housed in a sealed container, so there was no way to contain the radiation once the reactor exploded.
Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Explosion VIDEO
Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Explosion VIDEO
credit: abc NEWS
Fukushima Nuclear Reactor image, before – after Explosion

credit: NHK Sōgō channel news, sourced from Wikipedia

Things to know about Cesium-137, “IF” there is a complete meltdown and radioactive Fallout released into the environment
(also spelled, Caesium)
Where does cesium-137 come from?
Radioactive cesium-137 is produced when uranium and plutonium absorb neutrons and undergo fission. Examples of the uses of this process are nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
What is the half life of cesium-137 ?
The half-life of cesium-137 is 30 years. Because of the chemical nature of cesium, it moves easily through the environment. This makes the cleanup of cesium-137 difficult.
How do people come in contact with cesium-137?
Walking on contaminated soil could result in external exposure to gamma radiation. People may ingest cesium-137 with food and water, or may inhale it as dust. It is distributed fairly uniformly throughout the body’s soft tissues. Exposure may also be external (that is, exposure to its gamma radiation from outside the body).
How can cesium-137 affect people’s health?
Exposure to radiation from cesium-137 results in increased risk of cancer. If exposures are very high, serious burns, and even death, can result. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says everyone is exposed to minute amounts of cesium-137. The average annual dose in the Northern Hemisphere is less than 1 millirem annually. That falls below the 100 millirem exposure limit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends.
(information sourced from the U.S. EPA)

Update,
There have been maps circulating around the blogosphere showing the would-be radiation Fallout pattern from Japan across the Pacific Ocean. In fact, one map indicates a long 7-day time frame to reach the west coast U.S…
One must use common sense when considering this possibility. It’s all really quite straight forward. Any particles would flow with the wind. Period. All one needs to do is know the wind pattern from the day of release, namely, the Jet stream. Currently the Jet Stream is moving over Japan and streaming across the ocean towards the U.S. (as it pretty much always does). The average speed of the jet is about 100 – 120 knots, or about 110 – 140 mph. Simple math, 4,500 miles divided by 120 mph equals about 37 hours (plus or minus). A day and a half. End of story.
Note, it’s all about the wind pattern. There are weather sites that illustrate this and update regularly. The first image of this post shows the current jet stream as of post time, which will wiggle waggle throughout time.
Also note, “IF” and whatever amount of radioactive Fallout is released, will disperse rapidly from the site. It’s not like there will be millions of glowing people on the west coast U.S. 36 hours later, but there would certainly be some amount of exposure given the current jet. Not qualified to surmise how much that would be… Those in the immediate vicinity of Fukushima would obviously be tragically affected.
“IF” Fukushima suffers a catastrophic reactor meltdown, given the present state of red alerts there, it would likely happen fairly soon, within 24 hours I would think. They will either get things cooled down now, or it’s going to melt. Having said that, “IF” Fukushima melts down completely, the following image shows the position of the jet stream on March 14 and 15, which would probably be the approximate time frame for whatever radioactive Fallout particles to make it across.
It appears then, that central California (San Francisco) to north to the Oregon border would be in the bulls-eye for the most part. Although none of the west really will escape the wind pattern as forecast from WeatherBank. The darker colors indicate the higher jet-stream wind speeds, which one might surmise to bear the greater majority of particles, or at least the first arrival.


Potassium Iodide (Potassium Iodate) for Radioactive Fallout
(similar, with the same purpose)
There are several suppliers of Potassium Iodide, an over-the-counter drug which itself is a preventative measure that all preppers really should keep in their inventory. Be aware of the FDA Guidelines for Potassium Iodide usage and dosage during a radiation emergency (generally 130 mg per 24 hours for adults). Here is an example of some low dosage Potassium Iodide tabs, which taken in proper quantity would in turn be an effective Thyroid blocking agent during a radiation emergency (prevent thyroid cancer).
Update, 12-Mar-2011, 2100 UTC
TOKYO (Nikkei), The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) said Saturday afternoon the explosion at the Fukushima I nuclear plant could only have been caused by a meltdown of the reactor core. Tokyo Electric Power Co. began to flood the damaged reactor with seawater to cool it down, resorting to measures that could rust the reactor and force the utility to scrap it.
Translation: last ditch effort to cool it down… hopefully it works.
Update, 12-Mar-2011, 2115 UTC
Reuters, A third nuclear reactor is now in trouble and has lost its emergency cooling system. “The emergency cooling system is no longer functioning at the No. 3 reactor at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility.
Update, 13-Mar-2011, 0200 UTC
There are lots of reports swirling on the internet regarding the condition of the nuclear reactors at two locations (near each other – see map above), many reports conflicting and interchanging facts between Fukushima I and II (Daiichi and Daini) as well as ‘reactor numbers’, e.g. 1, 2, 3, … interchanging with location numbers. Sloppy reporting I suppose.
In any event, what we do know is basically this…
Evacuation of 210,000 people within 12 miles of the Fukushima I (Daiichi) nuclear power plant.
Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant (Daiichi), has 6 nuclear reactors.
Unit 1, loss of cooling, explosion of outer containment shell, radioactive iodine and cesium detected ‘outside’, admitting ‘partial’ core meltdown – but contained within reactor enclosure, flooding the reactor with seawater as a ‘last resort’ to attempt to avert a full meltdown, internal pressure is reported as high while temperatures are ‘officially’ reported as dropping, unknown regarding ongoing meltdown situation
Unit 3, cooling system has reportedly failed, releasing excess radioactive steam, reportedly considering or attempting seawater flooding to avert a meltdown
Fukushima II Nuclear Power Plant (Daini), has 4 nuclear reactors.
Reports point towards 3 reactors in trouble (or were in trouble) there with cooling systems. Details sketchy on Fukushima II.
Update, 13-Mar-2011, 1130 UTC
(TOKYO) JapanToday.com, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano warned that a hydrogen explosion similar to one that blew away part of a building housing of another reactor (No. 1 at Daiichi) at the same facility on Saturday could occur at the reactor (No. 3 at Daiichi).
Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), began injecting fresh water into the No. 3 reactor’s core vessel on Sunday to deal with the problem that the tops of MOX fuel rods were 3 meters above the water inside.


Why did the Fukushima nuclear power plant reactor fail in Japan?
Following the magnitude 8.9 earthquake, the ensuing tsunami washed over the area and knocked out the backup power diesel generators. All that was left was battery power, which was not sufficient to keep the nuclear rods cool enough.
What is the local health danger from the nuclear accident?
People who are outside the immediate area could inhale radioactive particles. A nuclear reactor accident could release radioactive iodine and radioactive cesium. Breathing in or eating food contaminated with radioactive iodine can cause thyroid cancer. Potassium Iodide (or Iodate) tablets can help prevent this.
Contamination of food and water can result from radioactive dust that settles on water supplies, crops or grass. Cows or other animals eat, and it works up the food chain. Any suspected foods should be washed.
Radioactive cesium with its long half-life, can cause more long-term damage, including cancer.
How far might the radioactivity spread?
This depends of course upon how much radioactivity is released into the environment. Weather conditions, wind and rain, will mostly affect the spread.
Is there any danger to those outside of Japan at this time?
Currently there is no known danger, no. There is no evidence of a reactor core breach of containment vessel.


A General Electric Boiling Water Reactor assembly (BWR)
Typical operating temperature of the reactor is approximately 570 F



Update, 13-Mar-2011, 2200 UTC
There is now a virtual blackout on the situation around Fukushima Japan due to the 20 km (13 miles) evacuation zone, which I’ve determined to mean a 10 km radius (20 mile diameter) zone. The only new information will come from government filtered statements, or someone working on the disaster who leaks out information.
The only new real information that has come out lately, and it’s not good news, is that the Reactor No. 3 at Fukushima is different from Reactor No. 1 in that it uses some amount of ‘MOX‘ fuel, also known as Mixed Oxide – meaning uranium mixed with plutonium. The plutonium itself evidently comes from decommissioned or surplus weapons-grade material, which would otherwise have been disposed of as nuclear waste.
“IF” Reactor No. 3 were to meltdown completely and release into the environment by either an explosion or otherwise, the fact that there is plutonium in the mix would make the disaster even worse. Much worse. (working on more facts about this)


General Electric BWR Fuel Assemblies and Control Rod Module
Fuel Rod Cladding Material, ‘Zircaloy’, melting temperature of 2200 F
Fuel Assembly ‘Active Length’ 3.6 m

A BWR system



Update, 14-Mar-2011, 0100 UTC
Here are some facts about Plutonium-239, an ingredient in MOX fuel, as in Reactor No. 3
Half-life = 24,000 years
Pu-239 emits ‘Alpha’ radiation particles
The Alpha particles have a very short range of effectiveness, that is ‘bad’ effectiveness – just several centimeters. However, the ‘bad’ is very bad in that they are considered 20 times more dangerous than an equivalent energy of beta or gamma emitting radioisotopes.
Translation: Pu-239 particles are not particularly dangerous until they are inhaled or ingested, at which time they become extremely dangerous when they become lodged internally and immediately bombard and irradiate surrounding body tissue (up to several cm). Very highly toxic. Given the 24,000 year half-life, any released Pu-239 particles will contaminate the area for a very long time.
Cesium-137 is different in that it emits high energy gamma radiation which can travel great distances and penetrate right through many materials. It must be remotely handled or adequately shielded to provide protection. Thick layers of concrete, lead, steel and other comparable shielding materials are necessary to stop the penetration of gamma rays.
Summary conclusion of this update: The addition of Pu-239 to the potential Fallout mix, should it occur, will definitely make matters worse. The scenario for mixing into the lower levels of the atmosphere and drifting to other areas remain the same – except in this case, there would be longer lasting particles that would be distributed and dispersed.
Update, 14-Mar-2011, 0300 UTC
Evidently, Fukushima Daiichi, Reactor No. 3, the one with the MOX fuel, with Plutonium, has just exploded, according to reports on FOX, Drudge, Breitbart, and other outlets. No information regarding if this was just the outer shell (as in Reactor No. 1), or worse.
Official: “Damaged Japan Nuclear Fuel Rods Were Fully Exposed”
Video: Explosion of Fukushima Daiichi Reactor No. 3


Update, 14-Mar-2011, 153000 UTC
FOX news just reported that Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yukio Edano said “…although we cannot check it, it is highly likely it is happening”, a meltdown is underway. The fuel rods are melting in all three troubled reactors.
Tokyo Electric Power Co. says the exposure happened at Unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi plant because a steam vent wouldn’t open Monday, causing a sudden drop of water.
“It’s impossible to say whether there has or has not been damage” to the vessels (reactor vessel, 6-inch stainless steel), nuclear agency official Naoki Kumagai said.
The Nuclear Information Resource Service reports “Air dose rate on site (outside the reactor building) was 3,130 at around 9:30pm.” We believe the 3,130 figure means 3130 MicroSievert/hour, which would be highest reading yet recorded—about 310 millirems/hour. For comparison, the U.S. EPA allowable dose to a member of the public from a single reactor is 25 millirems/year.
From NIRS, “According to our colleagues in Japan, Tokyo Electric Power states that Fukushima Daiichi-2 “has again lost its coolant (sea water was pumped in but is dropping). They cannot ease the reactor pressure because the relief valve is stuck closed.
Current Summary: Situation looking dire, however, no apparent complete meltdown is evidenced at this time.
Nuclear Security Expert, Joe Cirincione, says in the following video interview,
“Absolutely” the radiation Fallout particles could reach the west coast United States.
Interview with Joe Cirincione
Update, 14-Mar-2011, 2310 UTC
NHK World, reporting an explosion at Unit No. 2
Translated statements from live NHK World TV via FOX news translator:
Explosion Heard at Fukushima Daiichi Plant in Japan
Could be worse case scenario
Containment vessel may have been blown or cracked
Radiation outside is 10,000 times normal
Fuel rods remain exposed
Radiation readings may be picking up actual particulate matter from the fuel itself (radioactive iodine and cesium)
The current thinking is that this explosion has damaged the reactor vessel which itself is surrounded by a concrete containment building. Evacuation of ‘nonessential’ personnel is underway. Approximately 2 meters of the core is exposed and not covered by water. There is hardly a doubt that it is melting.
Update, 15-Mar-2011, 0400 UTC
450,000 people have been evacuate to a 30 km radius (almost 40 mile diameter) from the Fukushima location.
Local news in Japan are saying for those nearby to seal yourself indoors and to not become exposed to the outside atmosphere.
Update, 15-Mar-2011, 1600 UTC
Fire in a fuel pool at Unit No. 4 (storage pool for spent fuel rods). Pool may be boiling. Considering helicopter water dumps. Officials told the International Atomic Energy Agency that “radioactivity is being released directly into the atmosphere.” (from the fuel storage pond)
Tokyo Electric Power Company has evacuated nearly every worker from the entire Fukushima site, according to NIRS, and has only left a few workers behind. Given this apparent fact, it is a sign that they may have given up and cannot stop a full meltdown.
Some radiation has been detected in Tokyo, but apparently very low.

credit: Kyodo
Panicked residents start to flee Tokyo as radiation levels rise after THIRD blast at stricken nuclear power plant

credit: Kyodo
Overhead view of Fukushima Nuclear Plant after explosions

credit: AP
During much of the reporting on this subject, you may have heard lots of usage of the term, ‘prefecture’. What is a prefecture? The prefectures of Japan are the country’s 47 sub-national jurisdictions. The chief executive of each prefecture is a directly elected governor. There… now you know.
Update, 15-Mar-2011, 2130 UTC
U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin is in the Bay Area touring a peninsula hospital. NBC Bay Area reporter Damian Trujillo asked her about the run on tablets and Dr. Benjamin said although she wasn’t aware of people stocking up, she did not think that would be an overreaction. She said it was right to be prepared. (Makes sense… why not be prepared, yes?)
On the other side of the issue is Kelly Huston of the California Emergency Management Agency. Hoston said state officials, along with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the California Energy Commission, were monitoring the situation and said people don’t need to buy the pills. (Maybe a bit irresponsible statement, especially coming from an emergency management agency)
Update, 15-Mar-2011, 2300 UTC
New fire at Fukushima Daiichi No. 4. This time at the outer containment building. TEPCO says it is impossible to go near the fire since the radiation is so high. The earlier fire was reported at the fuel rod pool where they store ‘spent’ fuel rods.
Institute for Science and International Security said, the situation has “worsened considerably”. “This accident can no longer be viewed as a level 4 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Events scale that ranks events from 1 to 7.” “…now closer to a level 6, and it may unfortunately reach a level 7″ (a worst case scenario)
Additional sources are confirming that it is too dangerous for workers to approach and attempt to put out this new fire. Earlier reports indicated that TEPCO had removed all except a few personnel from the entire area. The apparent fact that they are not attempting to douse this new fire, may mean that truly, the area is far too radioactive. Note that there are the usual conflicting reports. Updates to follow…
Update, 16-Mar-2011, 0400 UTC
Multiple news outlets are reporting that TEPCO has now withdrawn everyone, yes, everyone, from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This seems unimagniable, but perhaps it is imaginable if the situation is entirely lost.
If radiation levels at the plant are too high to avoid radiation sickness, then at least one reactor vessel may truly be breached.
Good news for Japan for the time being, regarding winds, they are blowing from the northwest and forecast to continue out into the Pacific Ocean.
A new report that was fed-through from CNBC said that Unit No. 5 and 6 (which have been out of the news until now), ‘spent’ fuel pools are higher temperature than normal – no further details at the moment as to what that means specifically.
Update, 16-Mar-2011, 1530 UTC
A small crew is reported to have returned to the plant. (brave souls)
Dr. Michio Kaku, physicist, “It’s gotten worse…suicide mission…we may have to abandon ship.”
“We have cracks now, cracks in the containment vessels…and if those cracks grow or if there’s an explosion, we’re talking a full blown Chernobyl, something beyond Chernobyl.”(The last step in a nuclear meltdown is a breached containment vessel)
Radiation levels are higher over northern Japan.
The U.S. says it will conduct its own measurements of radioactivity in Japan.
Probable ongoing multiple meltdowns.
The Pentagon reports that all crew of U.S. ships near Japan are being given Iodide pills.
Update, 16-Mar-2011, 1940 UTC

The U.S. Nuclear Agency Chief Gregory Jaczko has just reported that there is NO WATER in the fuel rod pools of Fukushima No. 4.
How would the U.S. know this? Speculation on my part would be High-Resolution govt. satellite imagery or drone imagery.
What does this mean? If the report is accurate, then there is nothing to stop the fuel rods from getting hotter and ultimately melting down. The outer shell of the rods could also ignite with enough force to propel the radioactive fuel over a wide area.


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========================================================================================================
• potassium iodide-oral Index
• Glossary
potassium iodide - oral, SSKI (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, fever, headache, or acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: burning mouth/throat, sore teeth/gums, swelling inside the mouth, increased saliva, eye irritation/swollen eyelids, severe headache, swelling of the front of the neck/throat (goiter), signs of decreased thyroid gland function (e.g., weight gain, cold intolerance, slow/irregular heartbeat, constipation, unusual tiredness), confusion, numbness/tingling/pain/weakness of the hands/feet.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody diarrhea.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fever with joint pain.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking potassium iodide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to iodine; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: current attack/worsening of bronchitis (if taking potassium iodide to thin mucus in the lungs), a certain type of skin condition (dermatitis herpetiformis), a certain type of blood vessel disease (hypocomplementemic vasculitis), nodular thyroid disease with heart disease.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain thyroid disorders (e.g., multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, autoimmune thyroiditis), overactive thyroid disease (unless you are specifically prescribed potassium iodide to treat hyperthyroidism), tuberculosis, high potassium blood level, kidney disease, Addison's disease, a certain muscle disorder (myotonia congenita).Caution is advised when this drug is given to newborn babies younger than 1 month old. Treatment for more than 1 day should be avoided because repeated dosing increases the risk of blocking thyroid function, possibly affecting the newborn's brain development. If treatment is needed for longer than 1 day, discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. Treated babies should be given thyroid function tests.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Treatment for more than 1 day should be avoided because repeated dosing increases the risk of blocking thyroid function in the unborn baby, possibly causing harm. If treatment is needed for longer than 1 day, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Caution is advised when this drug is used by women who are breast-feeding. This drug passes into breast milk. Treatment for more than 1 day should be avoided if you are breast-feeding because repeated dosing increases the risk of blocking thyroid function in the nursing infant. This effect may cause harm, especially in newborns younger than 1 month old. If treatment is needed for longer than 1 day, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits, as well as whether you should stop breast-feeding.

potassium iodide - oral, SSKI (cont.)
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs such as losartan, valsartan), certain "water pills" (potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), drospirenone, eplerenone, lithium, potassium-containing drugs (e.g., supplements such as potassium chloride).This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., thyroid function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. If crystals form in the solution, dissolve them by placing the closed bottle in a container of warm water, then gently shake the bottle. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

==================================================================================================================

335 comments

Author: ken (Modern Survival Blog)
Date: March 11, 2011
Category: nuclear
Tags: nuclear meltdon, nuclear reactor

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NEWS ALERT - JAPAN'S NUCLEAR FUEL RODS AT FUKUSHIMA ARE CONFIRMED TO BE MELTING!!
Could the USA get hit with the Fall Out?!?




"The more time that passes with fuel rods uncovered by water and the pressure inside the containment vessel un-vented, the greater the risk that the containment vessel will crack or explode, creating a potentially catastrophic release of radioactive material into the atmosphere — an accident that would be by far the worst to confront the nuclear power industry since the explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant 25 years ago."

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) stated July 1, 1998 in USE OF POTASSIUM IODIDE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE:

"Potassium iodate, if taken in time, blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of radioactive iodine and thus could help prevent thyroid cancers and other diseases that might otherwise be caused by exposure to airborne radioactive iodine that could be dispersed in a nuclear accident."

Because of the nuclear event in Japan, radioactive iodine is being released, which can damage your thyroid gland or even cause thyroid cancer. This may be prevented by taking potassium iodate - KIO3 - a "thyroid blocker" which is the only known protection for this problem, immediately after fallout.
Potassium Iodate Pill- KIO3 - Thyroid Blocker, Anti-Radiation
200 Potassium Iodate Tablets - $25.00





What is the difference between Potassium Iodate (KIO3) and Potassium Iodide (KI)?

Both Potassium Iodate tablets (KI03) & Potassium Iodide tablets (KI) are THYROID BLOCKERS. They will both do the same job for adult users.

However, there are some subtle but important differences:

According to chemical manufacturers of the base chemicals of Potassium Iodate tablets (KI03) and Potassium Iodide tablets (KI): KIO3 has a health risk of "1" (slight) KI has a health risk of "2" (moderate) (Either of these are preferred over Radioactive Iodine from Nuclear Fallout.) KIO3 is not bitter, which means that children can take KIO3 with less difficulty than KI. This is extremely important: If children are the most susceptible to the harmful effects of Radioactive Iodine, then the possibility of children not able to take the pills or tablets or keep them down is dangerous. For this reason, we ask those of you who have children to purchase KIO3 instead of KI.

These Potassium Iodate tablets (85 mg USP Grade KIO3 each, yielding 50 mg of elemental Iodine to the Thyroid Gland just like Potassium Iodide) 200 tablets to a bottle (2 tablets is an adult daily dose). Easily dose children under age 3 with non-bitter partial tablets! Label dosing recommendations mirrors new WHO guidelines, (especially important for dosing children).

KIO3 tablets are stocked around the world for such an emergency and they are formulated for both adults and children; particularly children. The cost is reasonable, they work and could save your life. They should be part of every family's emergency kit.

Health experts now estimate that the greatest health concerns affecting the largest number of people from a nuclear event anywhere in the world, will be from the release of Radioactive Iodine 131 that is then carried downwind for hundreds of miles and maybe even thousands of miles once it gets to the Global Jet Streams.

Radioactive Iodine—The bad Iodine (131-I) is always released in any type of nuclear reaction. It can be in the form of a gas or particle and will be taken up by the thyroid either by ingestion i.e. breathing the gas or particle, drinking or eating. Once in the body it will lodge in the thyroid and do irreparable damage.

Radioactive Iodine—How potent is it? In medicine, trace amounts of 131-I (Radioactive Iodine) are used for thyroid ablation. This means that we use 131-I to chemically destroy a diseased thyroid. Unfortunately, significant amounts of 131-I are always released during ANY nuclear event. Fortunately, KIO3, a thyroid blocker, is the one thing we can take to prevent the exposure before the damage becomes irreversible.

Very small amounts of inhaled or ingested Radioactive Iodine can do serious damage because it will always be absorbed and held in the thyroid gland. Eventually, by absorbing a large amount of radiation in the thyroid, abnormalities are likely to result, such as nodules in the thyroid, loss of thyroid function, or thyroid cancer.

What age groups of the population are most at risk? All are at risk if the release is heavy. However, the older you are, the higher the absorbed radioactive dose has to be to cause immediate damage. Young children, babies, newborns and babies in the womb will be affected first and suffer most from 131-I poisoning. The younger the child, the worse the damage will be.

Medical Corps and other health experts agree: The greatest danger from Radioactive Iodine is to the thyroid glands of children.

How will KIO3 help? KIO3 is a thyroid blocker. If there is a nuclear event and fallout is headed your way then—and only then—should you take KIO3 or any thyroid blocker. Taking a thyroid blocker will saturate a healthy thyroid with “good Iodine” which will prevent the thyroid from absorbing 131-I “the bad Iodine”.

What happens if I do not take a thyroid blocker? If there is a nuclear event—and you are caught in fallout—and your thyroid is not “blocked” with good Iodine then your thyroid will absorb the radioactive Iodine. Your thyroid does not know the difference between good Iodine and Radioactive Iodine.

How Much KIO3 do I need? Estimating How Much KIO3 you need is simple: You need one bottle for every adult in your family and one bottle for every two children, and any extra bottles to send or give to the people you love.

Should you want to purchase KIO3 for your pets, you should consider pet needs as same as a child. Dosing instructions accompanies your order.

Use KIO3 when directed by authorities or exposure to radioactive fallout is imminent.

Daily dosage: Adults 12 years and older 1 tablet daily for 3-14 days. If need be, children 3-12 years 1/2 tablet for 3 days or longer. Children 1 month to 3 years 1/4 tablet daily for 3 days or longer. Newborn to 1 month 1/8 to 1/4 tablet for 1 to 3 days.


Keep in mind these facts about your thyroid:

1) Your thyroid runs on iodine.
2) Your thyroid is a pig.
3) Your thyroid is stupid.

Your thyroid runs on iodine and will absorb all it can until it is absolutely full. This fullness is called saturation or blockade. However, your thyroid does not know the difference between good iodine and bad iodine. Good iodine is taken up by the thyroid in the form of potassium iodate (KI03) or potassium iodide (KI). Bad iodine, I-131, is a radioisotope of iodine which is produced in nuclear reactions such as a bomb or nuclear power plant. I-131 is what we call a beta emitter and if you get it on your skin it will burn you in much the same way as when you get bad sunburn. It has a half-life of roughly 8 days (8.01 to 8.07). One of the reasons spent fuel rods are stored in pools of water for months at a time, is that they will be off-gassing I-131 for roughly 10 half-lives (approximately 80 days).

If you are caught unprotected and downwind from a nuclear reaction and the plume or cloud of fallout reaches you, your thyroid will absorb this bad iodine. You now have sunburn in your thyroid and it is not going to go away. Eventually that sunburn in your thyroid can give you cancer (the FDA doesn’t like me saying “will” give you cancer).

Now that your thyroid has absorbed the bad iodine, is there anything you can do to clean the thyroid out?

The answer is no. There are a few things that will help, but in reality you now have this radioactive sunburn in your thyroid and you are in big trouble. All of the good iodine or Prussian Blue or activated charcoal we can throw at the problem is not going to help.

Iodine--including I-131 and the other iodine isotopes--are from the halogen group. They act like a gas, which combines with things such as soil or metal. In a plume they float along and when conditions are right they “plate out” and come down like microscopic rain where growing plants, animals, and humans absorb them. We may breathe, eat or drink I-131 and even absorb it through the skin. And yes, your pets are at risk too, as well as your livestock. In fact, it is best not to eat exposed plants or food animals for at least 90 days, and this includes eggs and milk. Remember, your thyroid doesn’t care if it is bad or good iodine, nor does it care where it comes from.

When taken for the proper length of time and in the proper amounts, KI03 acts as “thyroid blockers”. When the thyroid is filled to capacity with good iodine, the bad iodine is blocked from entering. If you had KIO3 on hand and had taken it before the plume or cloud reached you, then your thyroid would have been about 99% saturated with good iodine. The bad iodine would then biologically slough from your body through natural bodily functions. The bad iodine will only affect those who haven’t prepared.

How do you Take KIO3?

KIO3 can be taken in tablet form or sprinkled on food or dissolved in drinks. It is not bitter and children won't throw it up--which is the point. However, taking KIO3 on an empty stomach feels like taking an aspirin on an empty stomach so take it with food or water. If food or water is not handy then by all means don't delay--just swallow or chew up the proper dose.

Caution! KIO3 in tablet form is for nuclear emergencies, only, and is not a supplement for thyroid health. You want your thyroid to function normally during peacetime and the amount of iodine you receive in your food and salt should be adequate for normal thyroid function. Do not take a thyroid blocker unless you expect an imminent exposure to radioactive fallout. Medical Corps' KIO3 will block the thyroid from working, which is exactly what you want to happen during a nuclear emergency. The directions are on the bottle and are very important.

How long should you take a thyroid blocker?

You will need to take your KIO3 for 3 to 14 days depending on the event. For a period of 80 days after the last known nuclear event, do not drink the milk from cows or goats and eat only canned foods. Small babies should not take a thyroid blocker for longer than 3 days unless absolutely necessary. This means a baby in the womb, too! If pregnant, do not take a thyroid blocker for more than 3 days or nurse your baby while taking the blocker. If babies block their thyroid for longer than 3 days then a doctor may need to give them a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). If your thyroid has been surgically removed then you do not need to take a thyroid blocker.

Read the label for proper dosing.