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In Radiation Disasters, Children are Especially Vulnerable
Below
is a news release on a policy statement to be published in the June issue
of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP). This policy statement is being made available online
in advance of publication in Pediatrics in order to disseminate this important
information in the most timely manner possible. For Release:
April 3, 2003 CHICAGO-The American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that households within 10 miles
of a nuclear power plant keep potassium iodide (KI) on hand to protect
the thyroid in the event of an accidental or intentional release of radioactive
iodines ("radioiodines") into the environment. Schools and child
care facilities within the same radius also should have immediate access
to KI. It may be prudent to consider stockpiling KI within a larger radius
because of more distant windborne fallout. These are among the recommendations
the AAP is releasing to help prevent and minimize damage from harmful
levels of radiation in its new policy statement, "Radiation
Disasters and Children." Children are much
more vulnerable to the harmful effects of radiation disasters than the
general population because their bodies absorb and metabolize substances
differently, and because they are more likely to develop certain cancers
from such an exposure. They also are closer to the ground, where radioactive
fallout settles. In addition to physical harm, children may suffer from
loss of parents, separation from their homes, and post-traumatic stress. Radiation incidents
may be unintentional, as in nuclear power plant mishaps, or intentional,
as in terrorist attacks with "dirty bombs," or detonation of
a nuclear weapon. Appropriate response to any radiation emergency would
depend on the source of the radiation, the level of exposure, the population
density of the affected area, and other factors. Citizens should seek
the advice of public health and safety officials about the best response
in the event of a disaster. In situations involving
release of radioiodines into the environment, KI is an effective preventive
treatment. This compound works to block the thyroid's absorption of harmful
radiation, preventing thyroid cancer, which is one of the most common
harmful effects of radiation disasters. Nuclear power plant accidents
or sabotage, and explosion of nuclear weapons, are the most likely situations
in which radioiodines would be released. If administered right
before exposure to radioiodines, KI can be 100 percent effective in preventing
radiation-induced thyroid effects, including thyroid cancer. The need
to administer KI right before or immediately after a radioiodine release
is the reason that it should be kept in homes, schools and day care centers.
The efficacy of KI diminishes if administered later, but it is somewhat
effective if ingested soon after exposure. KI is not effective in preventing
other long-term radiation effects, such as leukemia and breast cancer.
KI will not prevent acute radiation effects such as nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, bleeding and hair loss. The new AAP policy
statement includes information on where to purchase KI (see accompanying
chart) and advice on administering it to children. There are special considerations
for giving KI to newborns, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and older
adults. The AAP calls on the FDA to facilitate development of a pediatric
preparation of KI. Parents should know the risks and benefits of this
medication, and should not use it before consulting with health authorities. Radioiodines are secreted
in breast milk, and pose particular risks to infants. Breastfeeding mothers
should be cautioned to temporarily suspend breastfeeding after exposure
to radiation, unless no other alternative exists. This is a short-term
measure until public health authorities declare that it is safe to go
back to breastfeeding. Certain radiation
disasters, such as explosion of "dirty bombs" containing radioactive
materials, or an accident in transporting such materials, could spread
radioactive fallout over several blocks and would dissipate quickly. In
these instances, radioiodines are not as likely to be involved, and so
there would be no role for KI. Evacuation to escape
contamination would be the best response in many situations, time permitting.
Sheltering in a home or other building is an important alternative to
evacuation. Masonry structures provide more protection than wood, and
basements are preferable to upper floors. In the event of a
radiation disaster, it is important for the public to stay alert to the
local emergency broadcast system and instructions from local, state and
federal public health officials. In addition to advice about evacuation,
sheltering, and KI, these authorities will advise families about consumption
of food and drink after the emergency. It is important to have a battery-operated
radio readily available should electricity be cut off. Other recommendations
in the new policy statement include: Because radiation
from diagnostic X-ray exposures are cumulative, pediatricians should limit
exposures (especially to CT scans) insofar as possible, and thus preserve
the child's tolerance for unavoidable exposures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thyro-Block 800-804-4147 IOSAT 866-283-3986 EDITOR'S NOTE:
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 57,000 primary
care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical
specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants,
children, adolescents and young adults.
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