| Translate This News In |
|---|
The escalating conflict in Ukraine has resulted in an unexpected surge in demand for iodine solution pills. The fear of radioactive fallout from accidental or intentional threats on Ukraine’s nuclear plants is the catalyst for the uptick.
If such an attack occurs, radioactive iodine will be released into the atmosphere, where it can be absorbed by the lungs or thyroid glands.
What exactly is potassium iodide (KI)?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), potassium iodide (abbreviated KI) is a stable iodine salt that can help prevent radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thereby protecting it from radiation damage.
An injury of this type can harm the thyroid gland, which generates many hormones that affect the body, and can even lead to cancer.
The CDC also stated that table salt and iodine-rich foods do not contain enough iodine to prevent radioactive iodine from entering your thyroid gland. It has been advised not to use table salt or food as a substitute for KI.
What is the mechanism of KI?
The thyroid gland cannot distinguish between stable and radioactive iodine. It will take in both.
The CDC states that potassium iodide will prevent radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid. “When a person takes KI, the thyroid absorbs the stable iodine in the medicine.” Because KI contains so much stable iodine, the thyroid gland becomes saturated and is unable to absorb any more iodine for the next 24 hours,” it continued.
Prices rise.
According to CNN, manufacturers’ inventories in the United States have been depleted since the Russian invasion began. As a result, the price of Thyrosafe potassium iodide tablets, which are available in the United States, has risen.
BTG Specialty Pharmaceuticals, based in London, has reported increased demand for its potassium iodide products in the United States.
Panic buying is also prevalent in Europe.
According to a Fortune report, some Europeans who are concerned about an escalation in Russia’s war on Ukraine have begun stockpiling iodine tablets.
According to the Brussels Times, nearly 30,000 Belgians went to pharmacies for free pills following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement to put the country’s nuclear deterrent forces on high alert.
According to Bloomberg, the demand for potassium iodide tablets in Finland has increased 100-fold since the Russia-Ukraine war began.
