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09 February 2012

Answer to Question #5138 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Nuclear or Radioactive Devices — Dirty Bombs

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Can you tell me if tincture of iodine painted on your skin daily or more would protect you at least partially from radiation sickness in case of nuclear (dirty) bomb?

In one word: No.

Iodine protects only the thyroid gland from radiation effects. It provides no protection to any other part of the body. The mechanism of iodine protection of the thyroid is well known. The thyroid gland incorporates iodine into its major product, thyroid hormone. To do this, it accumulates iodine within the gland. Fallout following a nuclear bomb or accident contains radioactive iodine, which may be accumulated in the thyroid, leading to thyroid tumors later. Giving the patient a large dose of iodine (as sodium iodide tablets) before radiation will fill the thyroid, blocking accumulation of radioactive iodine.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Editor's Note: See our website fact sheet "Is Potassium Iodide a 'Magic Bullet' for Radiation Exposure?"

Answer posted on 1 February 2006. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.