The world is an unpredictable place, making it difficult to always be prepared for what could happen next. However, there are steps you can take for preparing for some emergencies, such as a nuclear threat…or worse, an actual nuclear attack.
Do you know what to do, if a nuclear attack occurred? Knowing where to go and having an emergency preparedness kit is a great start. But, what should you do first? And, are you prepared for that first step?
Your First Thought Should Focus on a Tiny Pill
If a nuclear attack should occur, reaching for a certain tiny pill should be on your short list of things to do, and as quickly as possible. But, not just any tiny pill. It’s called iOSAT, which is potassium iodide. It might be tiny in stature, but it’s a powerful tool in aiding in a person’s survival after a nuclear attack or accident, and just might save your life someday.
It goes to work by protecting your thyroid gland against thyroid cancer, especially if the recommended regimen is started within 3 hours of the attack. That’s not a lot of time.
Unfortunately, if you don’t already have it on hand, the odds you will be able to find iOSAT in time after exposure, are slim. So, it’s best to prepare ahead of time by having this pill available in an emergency preparedness kit.
Related: Potassium Permanganate: Why You Need It in Your Survival Kit?
Will It be Available Through the Government?
Yes, and no. The good news is that the government has been doing some hoarding with the iOSAT pill. So, they do have it available. However, there is bad news, and even more bad news when it comes to obtaining this pill through the government.
The bad news is, the government only makes it available for people who reside within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear plant or facility. If you happen to live 11 miles away or more, you’re on your own. The “even more bad news” is that you won’t automatically receive it even if you live within the 10-mile radius. In order to receive the pill they allow, you will have to ask for it. Even then, it’s no guarantee you will be able to get your hands on it. Not to mention, if an attack occurs, where do you go to ask?
Related: Find Out What Areas Would Be Targeted by FEMA When SHTF (they’ll take your supplies)
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission most likely will not be out and about delivering them to homes. No, you will still be responsible for getting your hands on iOSAT, and the clock would be ticking.
Then again, if you are a prepper, you are probably already accustomed to taking necessary steps to plan ahead and be prepared.
An Important Tool for a Prepper
As a prepper knows, it’s wise to have an emergency preparedness kit on hand. In it, there will be many tools for all types of emergencies that can happen, with or without warning. In preparing for a possible nuclear attack, the iOSAT pill should be included. And, since a prescription is not needed, it’s not too difficult to obtain.
The iOSAT is available in packs consisting of a two-week supply (14 pills) of iOSAT pills, which is enough for one person. However, some preppers are preparing with at least 2 packs per person, just in case they will need to take them longer than 14 days. If you live outside 10 miles of a nuclear facility and can’t get your packets from the local Office of Emergency Management, you can order them.
Keep in mind, they have a shelf life of about 5-7 years. So, when that time nears, you will want to replace them.
Related: 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon That Surprised Even Us
The Importance of Protecting the Thyroid
As discovered after the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters, radioactive iodine has the ability to transport over hundreds of miles, especially downwind. When released in the air that you are breathing, radioactive iodine will get into your system. It could also be digested through food and drink that has been contaminated.
The only part of the body that will absorb iodine is the thyroid. However, by ingesting the FDA approved amount of potassium iodide prior to being exposed to the radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland becomes saturated with a stable and safe iodine. This prevents the thyroid from absorbing additional iodine, including radioactive iodine.
Unfortunately, those who do not have the opportunity to saturate their thyroid ahead of exposure to the radioactive iodine, will most likely develop thyroid cancer.
This is why iOSAT is so important for survival, because the potassium iodide works well to saturate the thyroid. It works long enough for the body to rid itself of any digested or inhaled radioactive iodine, by passing safely through the kidneys. But again, it only works if the thyroid is saturated with safe iodine before exposure to the radioactive iodine.
It’s important to note that iOSAT will only protect the thyroid, not the rest of the body. But, that is where the radioactive iodine is absorbed.
How to Use iOSAT Appropriately
Each packet comes with instructions on how to use iOSAT to help prevent thyroid cancer, if you are exposed to radioactive iodine as a result of a nuclear attack or accident. It is recommended that you take 1 pill per day, until the package is gone, or until you get notice from the authorities that you can stop taking them.
For children or adults who have difficulty swallowing pills, each pill can be crushed. Lessons have been learned from the Chernobyl incident, which show that children are at even a higher risk of the dangers associated to exposure. But, you should check with your pediatrician for their recommended dosing.
Related: 16 Remedies for Radiation Exposure
Another vital tidbit of information to know is that if you take too much of iOSAT, it can also become toxic. So, make sure to read and follow the directions carefully.
Does it Matter Which Iodide or Iodine Work for Protection?
Yes, it does. Only use a Potassium Iodide pill created for protection from exposure to a radiation attack or accident, such as iOSAT. As mentioned before, the first pill should be taken within 3 hours of the first exposure for best results, then 1 a day (24 hours apart) for at least 14 days, or until the authorities send out a notice that you can stop taking them.
Some people are under the impression that iodized salt or supplements containing iodine, can be used instead of the potassium iodide and get comparable results. This is not true. Nor will iodine water purification tabs work. Simply put, the ingredients are not the same. Only potassium iodide will protect your thyroid gland from radioactive iodine.
What About Side Effects of Taking iOSAT?
Fortunately, side effects from taking iOSAT are rare, and most people do quite well when taking the pills. However, it’s possible that a person might develop a rash, or upset stomach. Although, when weighing the risks of potential side effects stemming from the pill, compared to what will happen without taking them, it really doesn’t compare.
Why iOSAT Over the Other Options?
As a pioneer of this type of product, iOSAT was the first of its kind to be produced. In addition, it’s the only product of its type to be authorized for purchasing by local, state, and federal governments.
iOSAT, a tiny but mighty pill, could save lives when taken properly. It can also be purchased at a reasonable cost, and without a prescription. It’s a must, for any prepper’s emergency preparedness kit, or any household, in case of a nuclear attack or accident.
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What about iodized salt? Is the dose in that enough to be effective?
There is very low amounts of iodine in iodized salt. To protect the thyroid you need mega doses of potassium iodide.
Please re-read the article. Your question is answered.
I just read that to get enough iodine from salt to protect the thyroid from radiation, you would need a toxic level of salt. You’re better off getting some potassium iodine tablets.
I have these. Can i give them to my 2 dogs. I bought enuf for them also.
http://www.askavetquestion.com/news/2011/iodine_for_radiation_for_pets/
The best thing is to check with your vet about how much they should be given.
There is also Potassium Iodide powder that you can mix when the need arises and it doesn’t expire. Probably a lot cheaper too. Available online.
Food grade ?
Good Grief…you stumped me there!!! The bag says NOT. If it’s 99-100% pure, what is the difference. Somebody help us out here. We all know labels don’t tell the whole story for liability purposes. Thanks for the question Lydian66 !
https://www.amazon.com/Potassium-Iodide-100-0-Crystals-Powder/dp/B0719F7B1M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518669125&sr=8-2&keywords=chemsavers+potassium+iodide&dpID=51rItM5NMkL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch#feature-bullets-btf
Copied right from “Product Description” on the Amazon website: “Potassium Iodide, ACS, 99+%, 500g For Research & Development Not for drug, human, animal, or food use.”
Why it says that, I can’t tell you. There are a myriad of reasons why it is not for human or animal use. It could be far too strong. You might not be able to dilute it enough to make it edible. That would be my first guess. It might well be caustic until reduced far below 99% pure. Handling it might burn your skin or irritate your eyes. I could go on, but you get the idea. If you purchased this to use as radioactive iodine protectant, I suggest you do research on how to get rid of it without doing something like dumping it in the sewer or in a lake or river. My suspicion is that you will have to pay a toxic waste hauler to take it away. I would further suggest you resist handling it or moving the container around until you find out just how dangerous the product is.
Does anyone know who carries it otc??
According to the article iodized salt is not effective
“Some people are under the impression that iodized salt or supplements containing iodine, can be used instead of the potassium iodide and get comparable results. This is not true. Nor will iodine water purification tabs work. Simply put, the ingredients are not the same. Only potassium iodide will protect your thyroid gland from radioactive iodine.
There are companies who make salt alternatives out of kelp and seaweed. I use the kelp seasoning now, and just one serving (like a half a teaspoon) contains 900% of your daily recommended amount of Iodine. Might be worth looking into. Just remember, don’t over do it. Be precise with your intake.
Here’s the company that I get mine through:
https://www.seaveg.com/shop/
If your Thyroid was removed but you still have your Para-Thyroid will the iOSAT pill saturate your Para-Thyroid to help prevent Cancer?
Ask your doctor, he/she should be able to get you the answer
Thanks for responding, I will contact our doctor.
Linda, I have had my thyroid removed also, but still have my parathyroid glands. I wondered about the same thing and would very much appreciate it if you could let me know what your doctor says. Thanks!
Well that answers THAT question. If you visit the CDC Radiation Emergencies website, it clearly states what you need to know about radiation / Thyroid / and Potassium Iodide.
https://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp
According to our government, nothing will be as effective as Potassium Iodide.
So if we survive a Nuclear attack, and protect our Thyroid gland from Thyroid cancer… what then? Is there anywhere to go that would be safe from the radiation?
If you research the current after-effects from the Fukishima meltdown in Japan, and its impact on the rest of the world, you’ll see how devastating just ONE nuclear meltdown is. How do we keep all of the other nuclear plants from melting down in a catastrophic event?
I’m starting to think there are some disasters that might not be worth surviving…
From the 2001 FDA report (link below)
“KI provides protection only for the thyroid from radioiodines. It has no impact on the uptake by
the body of other radioactive materials and provides no protection against external irradiation of
any kind. FDA emphasizes that the use of KI should be as an adjunct to evacuation (itself not
always feasible), sheltering, and control of foodstuffs.”
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM080542.pdf
What about Lugol’s iodine? Do you recommend that?
The very first thing to do after a nuclear attack is the SYHBYLAKYAG maneuver.*
* Stick Your Head Between Your Legs And Kiss Your Ass Goodby
I agree with Truthb Told… There are many, horrible ailments and agonizing pain that can, and often, befall us in our lifetimes, without natural catastrophes, war, or even nuclear events. Physical Death is the definite conclusion of living… PERIOD. You cannot escape it.
It is my belief, prepping to some extent is sensible and very wise. However, if you spend your entire life preparing for every contingency that “might” happen, fearing every possible outcome, how is that “living” now?
Being a Christ follower, I am not afraid of death because where I am going after my body dies is so much better than here. I believe the Bible is the Word of God and I see prophecies being fulfilled everyday.
However, I still am a prepper, as I believe God has given me my body and family to love and protect, as He loves and protects me and mine. I believe He alone is our ultimate protection, and in my life I have been allowed to witness many things that where, if not for the Hand of God, lives would have been lost.
We, here, are prepping in all kinds of ways, and the information informative, and to a certain extent this is a good thing. In case of a devastating event, natural or man made, we can help ourselves, and otherswith knowledge and resources.
However, do you know God has told us in Scripture that
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
And Jesus looking upon them saith, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27 KJV)
From what I see from my vantage point of many years, prepare for your physical bodies as you see fit, because it appears most of those who follow religion, or refer to themselves as Christians, no longer have desire to follow in Christ’s footsteps, or believe God’s Word, merely pay lip service.
But as you preppers know from the signs around you, time is short. PLEASE just don’t ignore your spiritual body, because Bible prophecies are coming to pass very quickly now… and if you have no honest relationship with God, there is no amount of prepping that will protect you from that outcome once you physically die.
It is not my intention to offend anyone, it is simply my job to help you PREP for the your “life” in the future, by way of sharing the truth of God’s Love, Grace, Mercy and the Gift of Salvation if you choose to accept it.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 KJV)
It is your choice alone, always was and will be!
God bless and be with you! In the end…
God Wins…Choose Wisely!
Here’s a verse that every prepper can relate to: Proverbs chapter 22 verse 3 – The prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 27:12 says basically the same thing.
Thank you for your testimonial “witness” (complete with bible references). There are those of us who don’t believe an undead guy is going to make us live forever, though.
Living life now the best we can, and taking reasonable precautions is the best we can do.
What’s the purchase price for these pills?
Can they be purchased at a drug store?
About fifteen bucks plus shipping. Checked with CVS and they don’t have them. But that is in east Texas may be different where you are.
Thanks!
Their is a liquid form of this. Also if you use iodized salt according to an article I read the iodine builds up in your thyroid. It’s why fukashima reactor didn’t kill more people as Japanese food has lots of iodine salt along with potassium. I use lots of iodized salt in my cooking and wonder how much build up I have. Also potassium iodine is in some water treatments.
Please reread the article. I quote”Some people are under the impression that iodized salt or supplements containing iodine, can be used instead of the potassium iodide and get comparable results. This is not true. Nor will iodine water purification tabs work. Simply put, the ingredients are not the same. Only potassium iodide will protect your thyroid gland from radioactive iodine.”
The potassium iodide salt of Morton’s was what Perry nuclear power plant in Ohio told us with a liquid iostat purification solution would work. When it was leaking.
But the research from Chernobyl is more comprehensive than any previous research. It is the latest and most comprehensive study done to date.
There are homeopathic thyroid support too. At last resort, Spirulina and/Or seaweed snacks will help maintain a good thyroid.
Folks, instead of hemming and hawing, go to the website that GreatNorthernPreppette provided and read what FEMA has to say about the subject. While I don’t buy a lot of the bushwa that the government puts out, sometimes they do hit the nail on the head. If I had to choose which to believe, a post from someone who is using a pseudonym (like me, for instance) or a governmental site, I would consider that the governmental site had more gravitas than a post from someone like me, for instance. You don’t know, I could be some creep sitting in his mother’s darkened basement. Feel free to disregard this unsupported advice.
Why potassium iodide won’t protect against nuclear fallout radiation:
Although potassium iodide may protect against I131 radiation from cancer treatments, there are a few reasons why it will not be that helpful in the case of nuclear fallout radiation:
There are other kinds of radiation other than I131. In Chernobyl, the culprit was Cesium (CS-137). This would likely be the biggest concern if there was a nuclear disaster in Japan. Potassium Iodide does not protect against Cesium. Neither does it protect against plutonium, uranium, iridium and radium.
Potassium Iodide only protects the thyroid against radiation damage, not the rest of the body.
If there is any protection to the thyroid, it is likely only helpful for animals (or people) with rapidly growing tissue. This would include pregnant or very young individuals.
If I may paraphrase your argument. I would liken it to saying “I won’t wear a level III protective vest because it won’t stop amor-piercing .30-06 bullets.”
Of course it WILL stop everything up to and including .44 magnum but heck why let that confuse the issue?
Yes, iOSAT won’t protect you from that chunk of wood traveling like a spear at just under Mach-1 and it will not protect you against a myriad of other radioactive materials. Similarly, lying on the ground with a heavy hat on facing toward the blast will not protect you from the Mach-1 spear, but it will protect you from lots of smaller stuff also traveling rapidly toward your cranium.
No sense in prepping, after all, we can’t protect against a nuclear blast or a nuclear plant melt-down. Sure, but we can be ready for the hurricane and concomitant storm surge or be ready for the tornado or the winter deep freeze. If you read Steve Konkoly’s (I think that’s how he spells his last name) book “No Apocalypse Needed” he talks about preparing for disasters in the order of their likelihood. For instance, in SoCal hurricanes are pretty far down on the list of likely events along with snowstorms if one lives in the flatlands. We get pretty heavy duty wind devils every once in a while but they are very short-lived and generally don’t travel very far. Big ones are earthquakes and related tsunami, wildfires and mudslides. Those are the natural events that SoCal residents should concern themselves with first. Then, while the order may be subject to some discussion, Nuclear plant melt-down, attack on the grid system, CME and EMP. If you are all set for the first four and have money, time and energy left over, you can prepare for the events that are possible but whose likelihood is somewhat less than a wildfire or earthquake. As with wearing a hat outdoors in case of a nuclear blast, having iOSAT on hand will help with regard to limited nuclear radiation even if it isn’t the ultimate cure for all radiation related problems.
None of us knows for certain what we will need and won’t need in the event of some catastrophic event. We can guess. We can discuss with others and either accept or reject their advice. If we have some well-founded knowledge we can share it with others so that they may either profit from what we consider good, reasonable advice or reject as unfounded or even hysterical opinion.
Personally, I found the article well written and based on sound reasoning. I didn’t see anywhere in the article that claims iOSAT was the complete remedy for all types of possible radiation contamination. Inasmuch as it appears to be not too expensive, it might well be to have a supply on hand. It’s certainly cheaper than the 20 gallons of gasoline that I have on hand that has to be changed out every year, especially since Moonbeam McBrown has raised the gas tax in the PDRK by 18¢ a gallon. Maybe if the legislature hadn’t “borrowed” the highway funds for their pet welfare projects for all those years our roads would’t be in such crappy condition. Sorry. Couldn’t resist that last dig. Sometimes my evil twin takes over.
And thanks again to Great Northern Preppette for posting the link and the quote from the link.
Even though it is an infomercial for IOSAT, it does contain valid advice confirmed by the FEMA website.
It’s your choice. What would you rather do, futz around with seaweed which may or may not contain potassium iodide, do you own home chemistry with the chemistry set from Amazon where you buy non-food grade potassium iodide or just buy the pills which have the correct amount needed. By the way I again highly recommend reading the FEMA website posted by Greatnorthernpreppette as it lists the dosages for various age groups. One pill doe not fit all sizes.
You need to buy Natural iodine salt . regular iodine salt is synthetic . try emergency essentials ?. I know I got some there a while back. also try the army navy outlet ?.
I didn’t read an answer to ‘Barb’s’ question about Lugol’s Iodine. I wonder also if you can build up a sufficiency by supplementing with that. Now, as I write this, I wonder how you measure said sufficiency. Would the skin patch test verify this?
If you want to make SSKI Saturated Liquid Solution, here is how you can make it. I bought 100 grams pharma grade potassium iodide, and divided it over 10 dropper vials of 10ml. 9 of these will find their way to selected people, for their families. When push comes to shove, 7ml water is added to each vial, resulting in saturated KI, 2 drops of which is an adult, 1 drop child, ½ drop for infant daily dose of emergency iodide for 10 days. 80 doses to a vial, the vial with content cost me less than $3 instead of $90 for pills, and it has an infinite shelf life, just don’t add water til needed. Feel free to spread this “recipe” to any survival communities you are a member of.
Back in the 50’s (when the kids were told to “duck & cover” ), I saw a sign that said “In case of a nuclear attack 1. Pay your bill 2.Stick your head between you legs & kiss your ass goodbye.” It still applies.
Another article on this website say you can make an Iodine tincture from Black Walnuts to protect yourself from radiation. It can be rubbed on the skin or taken internally. The article mentions Iodide to protect the thyroid and Iodine will not work. Perhaps the Iodine will work for protecting something else from radiation?
And another article says ” Taking a dose of potassium Iodide or nascent iodine before the event or immediately after can fill the iodine receptors on the thyroid and prevent absorption of radioactive Iodine-131. Nascent iodine is the most bioavailable form of iodine for this purpose, but potassium iodide (KI) is often recommended as well. One dose protects the body for 24 hours. If exposure is ongoing, daily doses will be needed, follow the recommendations of local authorities.” So again there is Iodine mentioned as being acceptable for radiation exposure.