The Danish Health Agencyworried about the war in Ukrainewill buy 2 million iodine pills to protect the population in the event of a nuclear emergency near the Nordic country, reported Monday.
The iodine It is considered a way to protect the body against conditions such as thyroid cancer in case of radioactive exposureand concern about nuclear incidents in Ukraine has caused reservations to be made throughout Europe.
The evolution of covid-19 in the last two years has shown us that it is important to be prepared. The war in Ukraine has shown us that the world is unpredictable,” the agency said in a press release.
Denmark is more than 900 kilometers from the closest nuclear power plants in Ukraine, according to the health agency, and there is currently no concrete risk, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said in an emailed comment.
Just in case
The iodine stock would be used in the event of a nuclear disaster in the vicinity of Denmark – which has no such plants but is close to some in Sweden and Germany – or on board nuclear-powered ships in Danish waters.
A reserve of 2 million pills would cover risk groups, including children and young people up to 18 years old, pregnant and lactating women and emergency personnel up to 40 years old, according to agency estimates.
For people over 40, there is no protective effect of taking iodine tablets, according to the agency.
The first deliveries are expected to take place within two to three months.
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