ACPM Policy 2002-059 (C)

Availability and Distribution of Potassium Iodide (KI) for Ionizing Radiation Emergencies

WHEREAS, ionizing radiation is potentially deadly to human beings, and exposure to it should be prevented whenever possible, except in controlled medical settings; and

WHEREAS, radioactive elements, including iodine 131, may be released in the environment, either accidentally from nuclear power plants or intentionally by terrorists; and

WHEREAS, contamination with iodine 131 occurs by inhalation, by ingestion, and by contact; and

WHEREAS, the concentration and storage of iodine 131 in the thyroid gland results in internal radiation which may lead to an increased risk of thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism; and

WHEREAS, the individuals at highest risk for thyroid cancer secondary to iodine 131 exposure are infants, children, and young adults; and

WHEREAS, potassium iodide (KI) is a chemical product with a low toxicity profile and has known benefit in the prevention of thyroid diseases and cancer if administered shortly before or after exposure to iodine 131; and

WHEREAS, in addition to sheltering, evacuation, and potential restrictions on the use of contaminated food, the rapid availability and distribution of KI to individuals at risk of exposure to iodine 131 should be considered in the development of emergency plans for communities at highest risk for incidents involving ionizing radiation; and

WHEREAS, such plans should be based on current scientific information and include coordination with other jurisdictions (local, state, and federal); therefore be it

RESOLVED, that ACPM encourages officials at the appropriate levels of government in communities where there are populations at high risk of exposure to iodine 131 to cooperatively develop a component in their emergency plans for the rapid availability and distribution of potassium iodide (KI); and be it further

RESOLVED, that ACPM supports public and professional education on the risks, benefits, and appropriate use of KI at the community level and for the individual.

References: 1) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, "Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies," USDHHS, FDA, December 2001

Procedural. 2) World Health Organization, "Guidelines for Iodine prophylaxis following nuclear accidents. Update 1999". WHO/SDE/PHE/99.6.