After the US-Israel attack on Iran, the situation in the Persian Gulf is continuously worsening. Meanwhile, speculations have started that if the situation continues to deteriorate like this, World War 3 may also break out, after which the fear of nuclear attacks is increasing in the minds of people. Due to this, the demand for potassium iodide has increased rapidly in many countries of the world. It is believed that it can protect against radiation after a nuclear attack. Let us know whether there really is such a medicine? If there is any medicine, how effective is it?
What happens due to nuclear attack?
According to the report of the World Health Organization, radioactive iodine can spread in the environment in the event of a nuclear accident or attack. It can spread through air and contaminate soil, water, food and surrounding things. Sometimes it can also settle on the skin and clothes, putting the body at risk of external radiation. If such a substance gets on the skin, it can be removed to a great extent by washing with warm water and soap. But the real danger occurs when this radioactive iodine goes inside the body through breathing or through contaminated food and water. After entering the body, it starts accumulating in the thyroid gland. This happens because the human body naturally stores iodine in the thyroid, whether it is normal iodine or radioactive iodine.
Which medicine can help?
The World Health Organization has prepared a list of essential medicines for radiological and nuclear emergencies, which also includes potassium iodide. After the attacks on Iran and counterattacks on Gulf countries, the demand for potassium iodide has increased significantly and people are continuously stocking it. Actually, the purpose of these medicines is to prevent, reduce the effect of radiation or treat the damage caused by radiation. For example, iodine tablets can help prevent the thyroid gland from using radioactive iodine. Similarly, some special medicines help in removing radioactive elements from the body. Apart from this, there are some medicines which can help in reducing the damage to the bone marrow in case of acute radiation syndrome. At the same time, different medicines are also used to control symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and infection. According to experts, in case of nuclear or radiation emergency, medicines can provide protection to some extent, but it is not a complete solution.
