As a result of the problems in the Japanese nuclear power stations, many Dutch people who live close to nuclear power stations have become afraid of radioactive radiation. However, it is not recommended to take iodine pills as a preventive measure.
In various Dutch and Flemish municipalities where nuclear power plants are located, as a result of the unrest about the disaster in Japan, iodine pills have been distributed for some time † People living close to nuclear power plants have been made to think about the leakage of radioactive material and take precautions.
Do not take iodine pills
In Japan, iodine pills are widely distributed because the potassium iodate in the pill saturates the thyroid † This can then not absorb the radioactive iodine that is released by a radioactive cloud and thus protects people against the radioactive radiation †
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According to Harald Wychgel of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), however, it is not wise to take such a pill when there is no immediate danger † Not even if you live close to a nuclear power plant. According to him, taking the pill makes absolutely no sense and it can even have harmful effects have if people do.
