Why iodine tablets?
Should radioactive iodine be released as a consequence of a serious accident in a nuclear power plant, this iodine can be absorbed by the human body by inhalation and be stored in the thyroid. This would increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
To ensure that in the unlikely event of such an accident you are protected from this risk, the emergency response authorities have planned suitable protective measures (these measures are called emergency management measures); one of these measures is the distribution of special iodine tablets. These iodine tablets prevent the storage of radioactive iodine in the thyroid. If iodine tablets are taken in time, the thyroid gland will already be saturated with non-radioactive iodine before radioactive iodine can be absorbed by inhalation – this is called iodine blockade. By following this procedure you can significantly reduce the risk of developing thyroid cancer.