CDC and their contradicting approach to radiation exposure and KI usage.

I have been following the CDC on twitter for quite sometime now and there is always some sort of interesting information that they put out every now and then. The most recent being a twitter message to all US citizens to stay away from taking KI (potassium iodide) because of the Japan Nuclear issues. However, with recent reports that our west coast is at least in minute danger of some sort of exposure wouldnt you think that they would be encouraging preparedness?


twitter.com...



Well if you go to the CDC Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response they talk about how KI (potassium iodide) is what should be used in the event of a radiation event.

www.bt.cdc.gov...


So my question is why the contradicting reports?????

Obviously because it's dangerous for health to take KI if there is not enough iodine exposure,
America is too far from japan to suffer from heavy iodine fallout.
KI does not protect from others radioactive materials.

reply to post by MonkeyWrench30


probably because the levels that have come over are not hazardous to health as of yet and they don't want a bunch of people dropping dead because of iodine poisoning. You can't continously internally take this stuff. Iodine / Iodide is not without it's risks and iodine is a poison after all. If you went and drank iodine out of the bottle it would be very harmful

I would imagine they are being cautious and waiting to see if the KI is necessary before people take a bunch. Potassium, in large amounts can cause heart dysrhythmias. Obviously if you are exposed to radiation then the benefits would outweigh the risks.

reply to post by MonkeyWrench30


Without the actual confirmed threat of a significant fallout of Iodine 131, the KI is more dangerous to take than not. Don't take it until it is confirmed that you are where a radiation event is/will be happening.