Vol. 553 No. 5
308 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if an iodine substitute exists and will be available for citizens who have an allergy to iodine in the event of a radioactive outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14614/02]
In the event of a nuclear emergency resulting in the release of radioactive iodine into the environment stable iodine is an internationally recognised and highly effective counter measure to prevent the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland.
Stable iodine tablets are currently being distributed to households nationwide as part of the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents. Each household will receive a packet containing six potassium iodate tablets BP 85mg, which is sufficient to provide a single dose for each member of an average sized household. The tablets are aluminium foil blister packed and sealed in a carton containing an information and instruction leaflet. Each carton will be delivered by An Post in a sealed firm envelope, which is labelled with appropriate warning statements and the name and address of the intended recipient.
With regard to alternative therapies, I am advised there is no substitute to the use of stable iodine as a prophylactic agent for this purpose. However, the two principal counter measures of sheltering and avoiding the consumption of contaminated foodstuffs would provide significant protection against exposure to all forms of radioactive fall out. It is important to remember that while these other counter measures protect against most sources of radiation and external exposure, iodine prophylaxis protects only against inhaled or ingested radioiodine.
