Background Material for the Development of the Food and Drug Administration's Recommendations on Thyroid-Blocking with Potassium Iodide

摘要

This report provides background material for the development of FDA's recommendations on thyroid-blocking with potassium iodide in the event of a radiation emergency. It presents: (1) the mechanism of action, efficacy, safety and availability of potassium iodide as a thyroid-blocking agent; (2) examples of actual and theoretical nuclear accidents and pathways of exposure which could require thyroid-blocking; (3) a discussion of previous recommendations relative to the use of potassium iodide as a thyroid-blocking agent as well as alternative protective actions; (4) descriptions of populations of special concern; and (5) problems dealing with the procurement, storage, and distribution of the drug.