[Iodine prophylaxis to prevent radiation damage following nuclear disasters]

After the Twin Tower attack on 11 September 2001, much attention is being given to possible terrorist attacks on nuclear targets. However, most of this interest is in countries outside of the Netherlands. Iodine is a simple and effective means of preventing part of the radiation damage following a nuclear disaster. Non-radioactive (stable) iodine plays an important part in blocking the absorption of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland, if it is administered as soon as possible after the nuclear accident has occurred. Prophylaxis with 100 mg non-radioactive iodide has a minimal toxic effect. Effective iodine prophylaxis is dependent on the government ensuring a well-regulated distribution. The government and hospitals should have thorough protocols that staff are sufficiently familiar with.