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Fearing overseas radiation Americans seek potassium iodide for their pets
During the last week numerous Americans became frightened over the concern of radiation exposure following the crisis in Japan. Many have inquired as to supplementing themselves and their pets with potassium iodide. The following is information from the Veterinary community regarding whether this is warranted. |
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Potassium iodide unwarranted at this time |
Veterinary experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and oncology list several points as to why Americans should not be giving Potassium Iodide to their pets.
- significant radioactive fallout from Japanese nuclear-reactor leaks are unlikely to occur this far away
- there is no proven evidence that potassium iodide protects against radiation exposure in dogs and cats
- in the world there is a limited supply of potassium iodide and it is unethical to use it in animals and risk supplies being exhausted for use in humans who are near the crisis center
- the dosage that would be appropriate for animals, if there were large enough supplies, is unknown
- supplementing potassium iodide can result in the following side effects...tearing, vomiting, anorexia, nasal discharge, muscle twitching, cardiomyopathy, hyperthermia, coughing, and diarrhea
- potassium iodide, even in people, only protects against thyroid cancer it does not protect against other types of cancers and health problems caused by radiation exposure such as bone cancer, leukemia, and cataracts
- it is juveniles who are at highest risk for developing thyroid cancer caused by radiation exposure, therefore in adults it is simply a placebo
Here is a link to the FDA's website that further discusses the matter
www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm |
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