World Health Organization--Nuclear accidents and Guidelines for iodine

[Guest guest]

http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/pub_meet/Iodine_Prophylaxis_guide.pdf

Guidelines for IodineProphylaxis followingNuclear AccidentsUpdate 1999

ABSTRACT

Intervention levels for emergency response are for national authorities to

decide, but the latest information suggests that stable iodine prophylaxis

for children up to the age of 18 years be considered at 10 mGy, that is

1/10th of the generic intervention level expressed in the International basic

safety standards for protection against ionizing radiation and for the safety

of radiation sources.

For adults over 40, the scientific evidence suggests that stable iodine

prophylaxis not be recommended unless doses to the thyroid from

inhalation are expected to exceed levels that would threaten thyroid

function. This is because the risk of radiation induced thyroid carcinoma in

this group is very low while, on the other hand, the risk of side effects

increases with age.

The latest information on the balance of risks and benefits will also need to

be properly considered in the plans for any distribution and storage of stable

iodine. It suggests that stockpiling is warranted, when feasible, over much

wider areas than normally encompassed by emergency planning zones, and

that the opportunity for voluntary purchase be part of national plans.

Keywords

IODINE – therapeutic use

RADIATION INJURIES – prevention and control

DISASTER PLANNING

THYROID GLAND – physiology

GUIDELINES

© World Health Organization – 1999

This document is not a formal publication of the World Health Organization and all rights

are reserved by the Organization. The document may nevertheless be freely reviewed,

abstracted, reproduced or translated into any other language in part or in whole, but not

for sale or for use in conjunction with commercial purposes, provided that full

acknowledgement is given to the source. For the use of the WHO emblem, permission

must be sought from the World Health Organization. Any translation should include the

words: The translator of this document is responsible for the accuracy of the translation.

The Department of the Protection of Human Health of the World Health Organization

would appreciate receiving three copies of any translation. Any views expressed by named

authors are solely the responsibility of those authors.

More:

http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/pub_meet/Iodine_Prophylaxis_guide.pdf