Thyroid-Protecting Pills Are Not Ready, Despite 2003 Deadline

Despite the Congressional order to stockpile pills by mid-2003, millions of people living in areas within 20 miles of nuclear power plants have not been given potassium iodine pills promised by the Bush administration. The pills, if taken after a nuclear accident or attack, can help protect the thyroid against damaging radiation.

It's estimated that pills will not be available until early 2006 at best.

Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., told USA Today that "it's outrageous that the administration hasn't made the pills more widely available. Nuclear power plants are at the top of the al-Qaeda target list. Potassium iodide is an inexpensive way to protect infants and children."

Robert Claypool, director of the emergency preparedness planning office at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has admitted that the government is behind schedule in making potassium iodide available.

MORE INFORMATION ON POTASSIUM IODIDE PILLS

I've been covering potassium iodide for six years, and there are a number of articles and resources here at the About.com Thyroid site to help in understanding this important issue.

• FDA Issues Instructions on Potassium Iodide: Pill Can Cut Risk of Thyroid Cancer From Fallout
• FDA Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies
• Protecting Yourself From Nuclear Attack: Should You Stockpile Thyroid-Protective Potassium Iodide Pills?
• The Dirty Bomb Scare and Your Health: Should You Buy Thyroid-Protecting Potassium Iodide Pills?
• The Little Pill That Could Protect Your Health in a Nuclear Accident, and Why It's NOT Readily Available to Everyone in the U.S.
• Top 6 Online Sources of Potassium Iodide

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