In European pharmacies, customers parade in search of an unusual medicine. Iodine tablets. A direct consequence of the war in Ukraine and the threat of a nuclear incident.
In a single morning this Thursday, March 3, 56,000 boxes of iodine tablets were delivered to pharmacies in Belgium according to the Belgian Pharmaceutical Association (APB). Similar behaviors have been observed in Croatia, Romania and other European countries. They follow the escalation of tensions between Russia and Western countries, against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and the nuclear threat.
The war in Ukraine at the heart of concerns
Last Sunday, Vladimir Putin put his nuclear forces on alert. This Friday, March 5, fighting and bombardments took place inaround the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia, which Moscow claims to have taken control of. What deeply worry the European populations.
Because stabilized iodine pellets are indeed intended to prevent the health consequences of irradiation. For example, they are distributed to French people who live near a nuclear site. In the Gard, it is in particular the case around the Tricastin power plant.
Preventative intake, a very bad idea
In case of radioactive emission, the thyroid gland is particularly affected. Stabilized iodine protects it and prevents cancer. But beware, the effectiveness of iodine is only valid for 24 hours after taking the tablet. And taking it preventively can have serious consequences. As pointed out 20 Minutesthe Council of the Order of Croatian Physicians has just recalled that an uncontrolled intake of iodine could “cause serious side effects”.
The statement also states that dietary supplements containing small amounts of iodine are “completely useless” and “meaningless” for radiation treatment.
Iodine stocks: what is the situation in France?
On its website, the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety specifies that “the State has sufficient reserves to cover the entire population”. “The distribution of stable iodine is placed under the responsibility of the prefects, and is ensured at the level of the departments and regions. In the event of an accident, all means (television, radio, vehicles with loudspeakers, etc.) will be used to give instructions for taking iodine, under the responsibility of the prefect.
IRSN also specifies the special case of people living less than 20 km from a nuclear site, and who are regularly invited to collect iodine tablets from pharmacies during regular distribution campaigns or when they move in.