WWIII fears: Why Iran distributed iodine pills

Iran has initiated the distribution of iodine tablets to residents of Bushehr, the southern city housing the nation's sole operational nuclear power plant. This emergency preparedness measure is prompted by concerns that the United States might launch a new military strike. According to the Young Journalists Club (YJC), the distribution began before the anticipated 2025 conflict and has since expanded to the entire city.

Deputy head of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences for health affairs explained that initial focus was on areas near the nuclear plant before widening to the entire city. A total of 180,000 iodine tablets were distributed following a decision by crisis management authorities, as reported by YJC.

The World Health Organisation explains that radioactive iodine can be released into the environment during a nuclear accident, contaminating soil, surfaces, food, and water. It can also settle on individuals' skin and clothing, leading to external radiation exposure. Washing with warm water and soap can remove iodine deposited on the skin.

The thyroid gland can be safeguarded from radioactive iodine by saturating it with stable iodine, a process known as iodine thyroid blocking (ITB). This involves administering potassium iodide (KI) tablets before or immediately after exposure to radioactive iodine. When taken at the right dosage and within the correct timeframe following exposure, KI fills the thyroid with stable iodine, preventing the uptake of radioactive iodine.

Any excess iodine is excreted through the urine within days, WHO clarifies. However, KI is not a cure for radiation exposure; it solely protects the thyroid gland and is only effective in the event of internal exposure to radioactive iodine, such as in a nuclear power plant accident.

The distribution of potassium iodide tablets is recommended for children, particularly given their higher risk of thyroid cancer following exposure to radioactive iodine compared to adults. Younger age groups are thus prioritized when public health authorities distribute KI. It should be administered to all children at the recommended dosage, with the sole exceptions being children with absolute contraindications, as outlined by health authorities. Newborn babies are also included in this distribution.