The media outlets are abuzz with sensationalized headlines and stories about potential nuclear threats in the US due to the recent earthquakes and reactor accidents in Japan. While the situation is certainly dire for the Japanese people and my heart goes out to them, the danger to us here in America is negligible. In fact, I firmly believe you’d be exposed to more radiation during a dental X-ray than you would be from any contamination coming from Japan at this time. This is just another example of the media riling people up and causing undue fear.
If you hadn’t heard about potassium iodide (KI) before the tragedy in Japan, now’s the time to take note. Let me stress again that at the present time there’s no danger here. That being said, it’s good to be prepared and educated. When taken in the event of radiation exposure—and only in the event of exposure—KI blocks the uptake of radioactive iodine and protects against thyroid cancer. KI tablets that contain the proper protective dose are sold in health food stores and online.
Please folks, don’t get caught up in this fear-mongering. Consider purchasing KI tablets to have on hand for peace of mind, but try to ignore the negative and skewed press coverage.
