Americans are anxious about potential radiation exposure from the Japanese nuclear plant disaster. Even though there is as yet no detectable exposure in the U.S., many people are fearful and are buying potassium iodide tablets to protect their thyroid glands. Some companies report selling more potassium iodide in the last few days than in a year.
When people take extra potassium iodide, the thyroid gland gets overwhelmed with iodine and can’t pick up any more. Radioactive iodine from the atmosphere is one of the risks from nuclear power plant radiation releases. Most experts discourage Americans from taking potassium iodide prophylactically since there is currently no danger in this country.
The People's Perspective on Medicine