Fallout Drug Sales Soar in California

Pharmacies around California on Thursday reported unusually large sales of potassium iodide to customers worried about radioactive fallout from the Soviet nuclear power plant accident.

The drug, sold by prescription, is believed to be effective against the accumulation of radioactivity in the body. Sales soared despite state health officials’ assurances that Americans are in no danger from the accident.

Pharmacists reported that customers are buying potassium iodide when possible, or settling for the more concentrated, non-prescription tincture of iodine, normally used to cleanse cuts and scrapes.

Potassium iodide, available in liquid form, concentrates in the thyroid gland, leaving no room for radioactive iodine from nuclear fallout. Government authorities in Poland, where radioactivity is much higher than normal as a result of the accident, are administering a similar drug to children

Radioactive fallout drifting from the Chernobyl accident could reach the western United States within a week, but is expected to be so dispersed and in such low levels that officials believe there is no danger. A federal radioactivity monitoring station in Los Angeles on Thursday reported readings no higher than usual.

California Department of Health Services spokesman William Ihle said Thursday there was absolutely no need for any Californian to be taking potassium iodide. “All of our medical experts are absolutely convinced that there is no danger of public exposure,” Ihle said. “The taking of potassium iodide is not called for, appropriate or needed.”

Moreover, Ihle noted that there are “dangers involved” in taking potassium iodide, principally from allergic reactions. Prolonged use can cause goiter. Ihle also expressed concern that some people may mistakenly drink tincture of iodine, which is normally absorbed through the skin and can be fatal if swallowed.