The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health updates the guidelines on the use of iodine in the event of a radiation hazard
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the instructions on the use of iodine in case of radiation danger. The previous version of the guidelines was published in 2002. The updated guidelines are based on the revised iodine recommendations published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017.
An accident at a nuclear power plant can release radioactive iodine into the environment, which can accumulate in the thyroid gland.
This is most harmful to children, who are at higher risk of developing thyroid cancer due to high doses of radiation. Adults are not in the same risk group, and the guidelines no longer recommend that people over 40 take iodine tablets in the event of a radiation hazard.
Sheltering indoors is the primary precaution in the event of a radiation hazard, as it is the most effective way to reduce exposure to radiation. Taking iodine tablets is a secondary free precaution recommended for women 40 years of age or younger and pregnant women. Rescue authorities issue an emergency warning if people need to take refuge indoors and take iodine tablets.
The guidelines recommend that households with members between the ages of 3 and 40 purchase iodine tablets for their homes. A single dose is usually sufficient. Iodine rarely causes side effects. However, people with hypothyroidism should be careful.
There are currently no iodine products suitable for children under the age of three on sale or available in Finland. Public health care acquires iodine tablets suitable for children under three years of age and determines the best way to distribute them to the children’s parents and pregnant women. Regional health care providers will inform people when such an iodine product is available.
HT
Source: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health