A MESSAGE ABOUT RADIATION EXPOSURE: WHAT TO DO

As we watch with sadness and concern for the people of Japan the extent of the damage from the recent 8.9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, it's a good time to review what precautions to take when confronted with the possibility of radiation contamination from a damaged nuclear power plant, like the San Onofre power plant south of Los Angeles. Although radiation of any kind is dangerous, those living in the vicinity of such a plant should be familiar with evacuation routes and procedures. Even in emergencies that don't cause damage to the nuclear reactor itself, radioactive gases may leak or be vented into the atmosphere. These gases often contain a radioactive form of the essential thyroid mineral iodine known as Iodine-131 or I-131 for short. Also called radioiodine, I-131 is formed in fission reactions from uranium-235.

Once it enters the atmosphere it is chemically similar to the stable form of iodine, I-127. It moves quickly from the atmosphere into the water supply and soil and eventually enters the food supply. After an I-131 radiation leak occurs, one of the first foods to be affected is cow's milk, which means babies and young children have the highest risk of exposure. Fortunately, the half-life of I-131 is relatively short, about eight days. If taken within the first 2-4 hours of a possible exposure, there's a medication that can block the uptake of I-131 and prevent more than 90% of the toxic effects, which include the destruction of the thyroid gland and the development of thyroid CA.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF POTASSIUM IODIDE RIGHT NOW. IF THERE SHOULD BE EVIDENCE OF RADIATION, POTASSIUM IODIDE CAN BE USED, BUT OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT. The medication to protect against thyroid cancer is called Potassium Iodide, a medication available at your local pharmacy in 130 mg and 65 mg tablets without a prescription. Because many pharmacies are out of this, compounding pharmacies may also formulate the product for you. The following chart shows the Potassium Iodide dosing schedule as a function of age:

Recommended Single Doses of Potassium Iodide (KI) as a Blocking Agent, by Age Group

For people older than 40, the risk for radiation-induced thyroid cancer is extremely low, while the potential side effects of prophylaxis tend to increase due to preexisting thyroid disease.

Therefore, adults over 40 don't need to take potassium iodide as prophylaxis for exposure to I-131, unless exposure is extremely high: >25 Roentgen equivalents. It's important to take the first dose within 2-4 hours of possible exposure and to continue with the same daily dose for 3 months or until you're cleared to stop by your physician. Remember, iodine does have side effects and can cause allergic reactions, and may be contraindicated if you have thyroid disease.

Although people are aware that iodine is important to protect against I-131, radioactive nucleotides have other serious health impacts, including the weakening of the immune system and increasing oxidative stress. Therefore, several other supplements may be of benefit.

Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the body from oxidative stress, and therefore radiation. Certain nutrients are known to have protective effects. Lipoic acid, in particular, has many research studies documenting its protective effects against radiation exposure from Chernobyl.

Any nutrient that supports glutathione, the body's first defense in protecting against free radicals, is also beneficial. These include NAC, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium. So if you're are allergic to iodine or have concerns about taking it due to thyroid disease, you may want to discuss this with your healthcare practitioner for proper guidance.

· Lipoic acid 100 - 300 mg daily

· NAC 500 mg 2 times daily

· Vitamin C 2000 mg daily

· Vitamin E 400 IU of gamma tocopherol

· Selenium 200 mcg daily

· Glutathione can also be taken orally as liquid liposomal

Many foods are rich in iodine and antioxidants. Fish, sea weed and chlorella are rich sources of iodine.

For more information or to book your appointment please call our office at (800) 669-0358 to speak with one of our dedicated team members.

© Sima Ash, 2010