Can You Buy Government Issued Potassium Iodide Tablets?
IOSAT is the only FDA approved Potassium Iodide (Iodine) tablets in the United States. In case of radiation release (like what is happening in Japan right now) this is what the United States would give it's citizens to protect against radiation sickness, and exposure.
IOSAT Potassium Iodide is the only FDA Approved Potassium Iodide tablet that is available in an individually sealed foil package. Each sealed tablet is indvidually perforated to be dispensed easily from the package.
IOSAT Potassium Iodide was one of the first companies to receive United States government approval by the FDA for sales to nuclear plants all across the country. Each 14 tablet pack contains 14 130 mg tablets (a two week supply for one person).
How much Potassium Iodide should you have stored for emergencies or in case your area encounters radiation fallout?
How Much Potassium Iodide Should One Store or Have on Hand?
This depends on where you are located, what you believe from the Government about the seriousness of the crises, etc... I guess the answer to this is just how well you want to be prepared and what comfort level you would like to have. In times of crisis will there be any available when you need them? It's better to have a pack for each member of your family to be safe. It's one of those expenses that you hope you will never have to put to use (like car, life, and house insurance claims). Preparing in advance is the key. After the 9-11 tragedy, Potassium Iodide seemed to disappear off the shelves over night! How far will the radiation reach? What will the long term effects be? Only they thyroid gland absorbs radioactive iodine. Potassium Iodide (safe non radioactive stable iodine that your thyroid needs to function) fills your thyroid gland so it wont absorb radioactive iodine (toxic iodine).
Would you buy fire insurance after your house caught fire? Preparedness is the key.
What does Potassium Iodide do?
During a nuclear accident (or attack) Iodine 131 is released into the air. This will go everywhere the wind takes it. When you inhale this radioactive iodine it is absorbed by the thyroid gland (only the thyroid absorbs iodine). Over time this causes cancer.
When IOSAT Potassium Iodide is taken (as directed) it literally floods the thyroid with stable iodine (the good stuff) so that radioactive iodine has no room to be absorbed. Potassium iodide tablets can prevent 99 percent of the damage caused by radiation. Probably the reason why workers at the Japan facility are still able to work so close to the nuclear plant meltdown.
How much Potassium Iodide (Iodine) should you take?
The recommended dosage for an adult is to take one 130 mg tablet. This will provide protection for 24 hours. Children under 12 should take 65mg. Children 1-3 years of age should take 32 mg. Infants can take 16mg. Detailed dosage information comes with the IOSAT packs. IOSAT is the Government Issued Potassium Iodide that the is issued during emergencies.
How Long Does Potassium Iodide Last? What is its shelf life?
Potassium Iodide is a stable element and lasts a long time. Because IOSAT is an FDA approved product it has a mandated expiration date of 7 years. Other forms of iodine tablets, drops, and pills aren't regulated so it's hard to tell what you are actually getting and for how long it will last and be effective.
Why Should I Buy My Own Potassium Iodide?
Many government agencies, Nuclear Power Plants have purchased IOSAT tablets but not in the dosages everyone needs and certainly not in the time to get it to everyone in time of an emergency. You need to take IOSAT Potassium iodide right at the time of exposure or radiation and not when the government can get the pills to you. Have you ever seen the government work quickly? Do you want to wait in endless lines waiting to be issued your IOSAT packs? How long will this take in an emergency situation. IOSAT Potassium Iodide (Iodine) lasts for 7 years so it's not a yearly expense, (and hopefully never need to use).