Dr. Brownstein's Blog on iodine for radiation

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 9:48 am

Today's blog by dr Brownstein. For whatever it might be worth.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Saturday, March 12, 2011
Japan, Radiation Fallout and Iodine Recommendations
With the terrible earthquake in Japan, let’s send thoughts, prayers as well as assistance to the Japanese.

I have had inquiries about the use of iodine to prevent problems secondary to the nuclear fallout that will occur. As the Japanese nuclear reactors release radiation into the air, the jet streams will push this radiation to the Western U.S. and Canada. There are estimates that the radiation fallout will reach the Western side of N. American in six to ten days. Furthermore, I have seen estimates that it is expected that 750 RADS may contaminate these areas.

How much is 750 RADS? One chest x-ray is approximately 3/100 RADS. One CT scan is 1 RAD.

Folks, potentially this is a lot of radiation. Fortunately, we have an item that can prevent this fallout from damaging us: iodine. If there is enough inorganic, non-radioactive iodine in our bodies, the radioactive fallout has nowhere to bind in our bodies. IT will pass through, unharmed.

It is important to ensure that we have adequate iodine levels BEFORE this fallout hits. How much iodine is recommended?
The CDC recommends using iodine to prevent injury form radioactive iodine fallout. Adults and women who are breastfeeding should take 130mg of potassium iodide. Children who are between 3 and 18 years of age should take 65mg of potassium iodide. Children who are adult size should take the adult dose. Infants and children between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32mg of potassium iodide. Newborns from birth to one month of age should be given 16mg of potassium iodide.

When should you take iodine? For an acute exposure, you want to take iodine just before the exposure hits. Iodine is cleared out of the body within 24 to 72 hours after taking it. However, If you have been using ortho-iodosupplementation as I describe in my books and lectures (taking from 6-50mg/day of iodine and iodide), you should be covered. Remember, the goal is to not let the radioactive iodine bind in the body.

Potassium iodide can be found in many health food stores. Combinations of iodide/iodine can be obtained from holistic physicians. Iodoral, Iodozyme HP, and Lugol’s solution are examples of this form of iodine. For long-term treatment, combinations are much more effective. More information about this can be found in my book, Iodine Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 4th Edition (available at www.drbrownstein.com).

I do not recommend starting the first dose of iodine right now. It is important to follow the news reports and supplement accordingly. I would suggest starting iodine supplements within one to two days of the expected fallout. If the fallout is expected to continue, you may need to take more than one dose of iodine. I will keep you updated as I find out more information.

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:40 am

I would not read too much into this article. As of this time the reactors have not released anything near a substantial level of radiation. Certainly 750 Rads is a lot, but its highly unlikely that those levels would reach the US, as they would dissapate significantly over that distance. It would take a highly significant release of radioactive particles at the Fukishim reactor site to threaten the US, something like a huge cloud released high into the air. These are hot water P1 type reactors and while any reactor overheating can be bad, this type of reactor design is pretty good and has a good chance of being contained.

Right now the big issue is a meltdown of the reactor fuel stock (uranium 238 & 235 alpha & gamma). As of 10AM EST they were detecting cesium 137 isotopes near the reactor site. This is very important in that cesium is only made when uranium is heated to very hot temperatures. This may be indicative of a meltdown in progress... that would be bad. During a meltdown if the main containment vessel ruptures catastrophically
that could start to spread significant amounts of radiation both locally and internationally.

As of this point there is no fallout from these reactors and there is no threat to the US.

Its good to keep in mind that iodine does protect the thyroid by limiting its uptake of radioactivity if someone is exposed to radioactive elements. Certainly if you live within 100 mile of that reactor I would start taking iodine as a precaution. What happens is while you body can for the most part get over certain levels of radiation exposure, your thyroid tends to gather and hold onto radioactive particles and this can easily cause long term problems like thyroid cancer. Iodine tablets (potassium iodide) blocks the uptake of radioactive particles by the thyroid until the body has chance to clear out the radioactive particles. It does not protect the rest of the body from the effects of the exposure.

--Joe

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:50 am

Thank you Joe.

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 11:58 am

Yes, thanks Joe. I just posted it in case there were further, more dangerous problems with it. I appreciate your explanation about what is likely to happen.

Love, Shirley

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:45 pm

Joe,

Thank you for giving us a very good explanation of the risks and consequences. When you write NOW! then I will get out my iodine.

Gloria

Post by **tex** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:52 pm

Thanks Shirley, and thanks for sharing your insight, Joe.

All we can do right now, is hope for the best.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:01 pm

maybe Nostradamus's prediction was out by a year.........

hoosier1 · Post by **hoosier1** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 9:40 am

Reminds me of all those doom and gloom paintings in the Denver airport (i.e. the Mayan calendar, etc.)

Was in Japan several times last year. I just contacted an associate of mine who is over there routinely and was planning to go back on the 21st (now postponed). Glad hi is still in Michigan. I can only imagine the hardship over there right now. They are a very interconnected society and depend heavily on their mass transit, a strong electrical grid, etc. The ripple effect will be huge to their well being and their economy.

I am trying to be positive but there is so much bad news out there. Time to shut off the news for a while.