Radioiodine under nuclear accident conditions

Exposure to radioiodine under nuclear accident conditions has been of concern to the general population residing near nuclear power plants. Protection from exposure by KI administration is suggested, and the inhibitory effect of KI on thyroid RAIU is discussed. 

Radioiodine plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of various thyroid disorders. Production methods for various iodine isotopes, namely, and are briefly described in this paper. The chemistry of iodine and radiation effects in aqueous solutions and isotopic exchange reactions are also reviewed. An understanding of the chemistry of iodine is essential in isotope production, and for developing the procedure to prepare the radioactive iodine labeled pharmaceuticals. In radiochemical analysis of iodine, most environmental and biological samples can be accurately analyzed by neutron activation at trace levels. The use of potassium iodide (KI) has become an important remedy to prevent the harmful effects of radioiodine exposure under nuclear accident conditions. The inhibitory effect of KI administration on thyroid radioactive iodine uptake is discussed. 

The use of K1 serves as an important remedy to protect from radioiodine exposure under nuclear accident conditions. In principle, under normal circumstances, excess iodine decreases sodium—iodide symporter (NIS) on the thyroid cell surface, thereby inhibiting further access for iodine into the thyroid. Excess iodide administration at the appropriate time decreases thyroid radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) by increasing the amount of nonradioactive... 

J.C. Wren, W. Long, C.J. Moore and K.R. Weaver, Modelling the Removal and Retention of Radioiodine by TEDA-Impregnated Charcoal under Reactor Accident Conditions , Nuclear Technology, 125, p. 13 (1998)... 

Radioiodine is also identified as one of the most important fission products that can be released from nuclear facilities, particularly under accident conditions, in terms of its radiological effects on the environment, especially human exposure. A large amount of I delivered to the thyroid almost always leads to hypothyroidism, because of permanent radiation-induced destruction of thyroid cells. The use of potassium iodide (KI) helps in preventing such harmful effects. 

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