\nMar 21, 2011<\/p>\n
![\"Radiation](\"http:\/\/dingo.care2.com\/pictures\/greenliving\/1064\/1063019.large.jpg\")
<\/div>\nThe thought of radiation exposure is the stuff nightmares, and
\njustifiably so. With the release of radiation from the disaster-stricken
\nnuclear complex in Japan, people the globe over have increased fear
\nthat a potential plume of radioactivity may find them\u2013especially those
\non the U.S. west coast. To help Americans understand their
\nradiation-related health risks, the American Association of Clinical
\nEndocrinologists (AACE), the American Thyroid Association (ATA), The
\nEndocrine Society and the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) issued a joint statement<\/a> of the radiation risks to health.<\/div>\n
\njustifiably so. With the release of radiation from the disaster-stricken
\nnuclear complex in Japan, people the globe over have increased fear
\nthat a potential plume of radioactivity may find them\u2013especially those
\non the U.S. west coast. To help Americans understand their
\nradiation-related health risks, the American Association of Clinical
\nEndocrinologists (AACE), the American Thyroid Association (ATA), The
\nEndocrine Society and the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) issued a joint statement<\/a> of the radiation risks to health.<\/div>\n
The statement describes that the main component to be concerned about
\nis radioactive iodine including iodine-131.This presents a special
\nrisk to health because exposure of the thyroid to high levels may lead
\nto development of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer years later.<\/div>\n
\nis radioactive iodine including iodine-131.This presents a special
\nrisk to health because exposure of the thyroid to high levels may lead
\nto development of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer years later.<\/div>\n
As we have been hearing in the news, radioactive iodine uptake to the
\nthyroid can be blocked by taking potassium iodide (KI) pills. But the
\njoint statement cautions that \u201cKI should not be taken unless there is a
\nclear risk of exposure to high levels of radioactive iodine. While some
\nradiation may be detected in the United States as a result of the
\nnuclear reactor accident in Japan, current estimates indicate radiation
\nlevels will not be harmful to the thyroid gland or general health.\u201d If
\nradiation levels were to rise to significant levels, KI should only be
\ntaken as directed by physicians or public health authorities until the
\nrisk for significant exposure dissipates.<\/div>\n
\nthyroid can be blocked by taking potassium iodide (KI) pills. But the
\njoint statement cautions that \u201cKI should not be taken unless there is a
\nclear risk of exposure to high levels of radioactive iodine. While some
\nradiation may be detected in the United States as a result of the
\nnuclear reactor accident in Japan, current estimates indicate radiation
\nlevels will not be harmful to the thyroid gland or general health.\u201d If
\nradiation levels were to rise to significant levels, KI should only be
\ntaken as directed by physicians or public health authorities until the
\nrisk for significant exposure dissipates.<\/div>\n
The statement discourages individuals needlessly purchasing or
\nhoarding of KI in the United States. Since there is not a radiation
\nemergency in the United States or its territories, the statement does
\nnot support the ingestion of KI prophylaxis at this time. KI can cause
\nallergic reactions, skin rashes, salivary gland inflammation,
\nhyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in a small percentage of people.<\/div>\n
\nhoarding of KI in the United States. Since there is not a radiation
\nemergency in the United States or its territories, the statement does
\nnot support the ingestion of KI prophylaxis at this time. KI can cause
\nallergic reactions, skin rashes, salivary gland inflammation,
\nhyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in a small percentage of people.<\/div>\n