Since Monday, more than 30,000 Belgians have gone to pharmacies to obtain a free box of tablets. However, these are only useful in the event of a nuclear incident involving a release of radioactive iodine and allow the protection of the thyroid.
The latest developments in the conflict in Ukraine, including the capture of the Chernobyl site by the Russian army and the alerting of the Russian atomic deterrent force, have aroused the concern of some Belgians. The FANC points out that the potential emission of radioactive iodine does not concern power plants that are no longer in operation, such as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Having iodine tablets: a good reflex
Ingesting such tablets is also of no interest at the moment, they were only effective in the event of a nuclear incident involving a release of radioactive iodine.
In the event of a nuclear incident involving a release of radioactive iodine, among the protective measures, taking stable iodine is effective in protecting the thyroid. Protecting the thyroid from radioactive iodine contamination is particularly important in children, in order to avoid the long-term development of cancers. To be effective, these tablets must be used at the right time, when the competent authorities recommend taking them.
Since 1999, the Belgian authorities have recommended that people living 20 km around a nuclear site dispose of it directly at home. This recommendation was extended in 2018 to all persons and communities in charge of children on Belgian territory.
In effect, this means that any Belgian can go to a pharmacy to be given a box of iodine tablets. These can be stored at home and have a very long validity period.
No online purchase
Iodine tablets are available free of charge from any pharmacy nationwide. To obtain it, it is therefore useless to buy it, whether on online sales sites or via another means.
The authorities and pharmacies have large stocks of tablets which can also be made available to citizens if a nuclear incident occurs.
Having iodine tablets at home is a good measure of preparation for the risks of a nuclear incident, but as stated above, the current situation does not require taking these tablets or obtaining them quickly.
Find more information:
>> Brochure on nuclear risk in Belgium
>> Information for pharmacists