I've been given potassium iodate what are they for?

Answer 1

During a nuclear disaster, such as war, terrorism, a nuclear melt down or radioactive spill, great amounts of radioactive iodine (I-131) are often released into the atmosphere. Taking Potassium Iodide (or Potassium Iodate) pills can protect against radioactive poisoning by "filling" the thyroid with this harmless substance for a period of time; long enough to allow the dangerous radioactive iodine to be "blocked" (not be absorbed), and then naturally dissipate from the area. Up to 99% of all radiation induced thyroid damage can be prevented by taking Potassium Iodide pills.

Potassium Iodate is a superior form of Potassium Iodide (KI) because of its extended shelf life and lack of bitter taste. The extra molecule of oxygen in Potassium Iodate (KIO3), can guarantee the Iodate's continued freshness without adding stabilizers. The Potassium Iodate we offer is a 85mg tablet, 200 tablets to a bottle. It should be kept sealed, dry, and out of reach of children. If unopened, it should be effective for decades. Use during a NUCLEAR EMERGENCY ONLY.

I got these pills back in college. That's because I lived near three nuclear reactors.

Answer 2

I would probably agree with the notion that you are iodine deficient. This would be kind of unusual in industrialized countries, however, because we put iodine in our table salt. So if you cook with salt, or consume salt in any way, you should be getting all the iodine you need.

It is also true that people often hand out that chemical to take during nuclear emergencies, I think it's more of a "look, we're doing something" effect- similar to the duck and cover air raid drills they did during the cold war. You'll just be vaporized under your desk. The only radiation that potassium iodate/iodide protects against is radioactive iodine (iodine 128). This is often used in academic labs during protein work. Consuming even small amounts of this radioactive isotope is dangerous because it concentrates in your thyroid gland, where iodide is usually required to make thyroid hormones (thyroxin is one). The isotope gets concentrated and can completely ablate (selectively destroy) your thyroid. By taking potassium iodate/iodide, you compete the radioactive iodide with "cold" & innocuous iodide and allow your system to flush it out. So, for this reason, I don't think this does a damn bit of good for safeguarding against damage by other radioisotopes or radiation itself.

So unless, you work in a lab with iodine 128, I bet yoru doctor gave this to you to protect against iodine deficiency.

Answer 3

Hemorrhoids.

Answer 4

If you were given these by a doctor I suspect it's because s/he thinks you may be iodine-deficient.

Answer 5

what do you do for a living I had to sign something saying I wouldbe willing to take it in the event of anthrax or nuclear attack so maybe you have been in contact with something of this nature

Answer 6

In case of some dumbass firing of a nuke weapon? Read the instructions written on the bottle

Answer 7

they are taken for nuclear emergencies, to protect you against radiation, specifically for your thyroid gland, which seems to be what is affected the most

Answer 8

you're probably iodine deficient, it's for your thyroid gland.

Answer 9

Constipation...Brace yourself!

Answer 10

listen to the first answer.