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Potassium Iodide in Child Care Facilities
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is this program all about?
To protect children's health in the event of a nuclear power plant (NPP) emergency, the Division of Child Development, in conjunction with the Division of Public Health, has developed a plan to distribute and administer potassium iodide (KI) to children when recommended by state health officials. Other steps that may be taken to protect children during a NPP emergency include evacuation and relocation, or sheltering-in-place, as necessary.
- What is potassium iodide and why should it be used in the event of an emergency at the nuclear power plant (NPP)?
Potassium Iodide is a type of salt that is added to table salt in small amounts so that people have sufficient iodine in their diet to maintain normal healthy thyroid function. It is often identified by its chemical symbol, KI. KI is also made into a non-prescription, over-the-counter medication. It may be used to protect the thyroid during a NPP emergency involving a release of radioactive iodine (RAI). If KI is taken prior to or soon after exposure to RAI, it blocks the thyroid's uptake of RAI and reduces an exposed person's risk of developing thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases later in life
- Does taking KI mean that the children don't have to evacuate in a nuclear power plant (NPP) emergency?
NO! Taking KI is NOT a substitute for evacuation. It is very important that children leave the area immediately and proceed to the designated relocation site or other facility when instructed by officials to do so. KI will protect only the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine. There are many kinds of radioactive materials besides radioactive iodine that could pose a threat in a NPP emergency. It is important to protect your whole body from radiation by leaving the area as soon as possible unless officials recommend staying in a sheltered place until it is safe to leave. This is also true if a NPP emergency occurs while you are at home with your family. One should follow the emergency response instructions released by state officials on the radio and television immediately.
- Why is it especially important for children to take KI?
Scientific studies have shown that children have the highest risk of damaging health effects from exposure to radioactive iodine. Infants and young children are more vulnerable to developing thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases following exposure to radioactive iodine.
- Do facilities have the legal authority to distribute and administer KI to children?
Yes. The authority lies in recently adopted provisions of rules in 10A NCAC 09 .1720(k) and .0803(9) that state: "A parent may give a caregiver standing authorization to administer an over-the-counter remedy or medication as directed by the North Carolina State Health Director or designee, when there is a public health emergency as identified by the North Carolina State Health Director or designee. The authorization shall be in writing, may be valid for as long as the child is enrolled, and shall contain:
(1) the child's name;
(2) the signature of the parent;
(3) the date the authorization was signed by the parent.
(4) the date that the authorization ends or a statement that the authorization is valid until withdrawn by the parent in writing."
- Are parents/guardians required to give their permission for child care facility staff to administer KI to their children?
No. Participation in the program is voluntary. However, if radioactive iodine (RAI) is released during a nuclear power plant emergency and there is evidence that exposure will occur, the use of KI is strongly recommended by the FDA and other scientific and medical authorities (including the American Academy of Pediatrics) to protect children's thyroids from the harmful effects of RAI.
- Who will distribute and administer KI?
Teachers and other facility staff designated by the administrator of the facility will have the responsibility of distributing and administering KI to children in an emergency.
- How will facilities be notified of a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency?
Sirens will sound in the surrounding areas of the NPP indicating that there is an emergency. Facilities will then tune into local radio and/or television to receive further instruction from the Emergency Alert System. Depending on the nature of the event, these instructions may include evacuating to a designated relocation site, staying inside, and taking KI.The State Health Director (or other authorized person), usually after consulting with state radiation protection staff, will determine if KI should be administered to prevent harmful exposure to radioactive iodine. A decision to administer KI will be communicated to the local health director and local emergency management officials, who will notify facilities of the decision.
- Is there anyone who shouldn't take KI?
People who have known allergies to iodine should not take KI. There are two other very rare conditions, dermatitis herpetiformis and hypocomplementemic vasculitis, which have been associated with an increased risk of iodine allergy. Persons with these illnesses should also avoid KI. The FDA has determined that short term dosing (24 to 48 hours) is generally safe for persons with existing thyroid disease.
- How often must KI be taken to remain effective?
A single dose of KI remains effective for approximately 24 hours. It is unlikely that your child would be under the supervison of a child care facility for more than 24 hours. If a longer period were to occur, your child would receive another dose every 24 hours until the threat of RAI exposure had passed.
- Where can I go to get more information on KI?
For more information on KI, you can visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services web page on KI, at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dph/ki.htm. You may also contact the Division of Public Health's public information officer at (919) 715-4174. Your local health department is also available to answer questions concerning KI. You may contact Beth Young, Child Care Nurse Consultant, 704-336-5076.
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