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Municipalities are required to distribute these pills to residents: they will choose how to do it and inform residents about it.
According to Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga, Lithuania has prepared in time for possible threats stemming from the construction of the Astrava nuclear power plant. However, it is now very important for people receiving potassium iodide tablets to listen carefully and follow the instructions on when and how to take them in the event of a nuclear accident.
“We are part of the international community, so we must be prepared for possible threats. We understand the gravity of the situation and we are doing everything possible to protect the Lithuanian people. The fact that we start distributing the pills even before the start of the Belarusian nuclear power plant shows that all responsible authorities have done their work … as will be necessary, “says Minister A. Veryga.
First, the potassium iodide tablets will be distributed to Lithuanian residents living within a 30-kilometer radius of the Astrava nuclear power plant. The ESSC delivered more than 29 thousand to the municipality of the Vilnius district. potassium iodide tablets, Švenčionys – more than 95 thousand.
Municipalities are planned to distribute potassium iodide tablets to their residents who have chosen the most acceptable method that can guarantee speed. Some municipalities plan to distribute the pills with the help of the elderly, the elderly, others, through medical institutions, etc. This means that municipalities will have to inform their residents about the specific method chosen and how and where to take these medications to those to whom they belong.
The Ministry of Health (SAM) recalls that Lithuania has acquired 4 million. stable iodine tablets. They were acquired on December 5. contract with the tenderer who has submitted the most economically advantageous tender. The total value of the contract is more than 1 million. euros with VAT. The acquisition was organized and the contract concluded by the ESSC.
SAM reminds that potassium iodide tablets only protect against radioactive iodine and not against other radioactive substances released into the environment in the event of a nuclear accident and therefore should only be used on the recommendation of the authorities.
Why potassium iodide is needed and what additional steps to take in the event of a nuclear incident:
According to health experts, in the event of a nuclear accident, radioactive iodine could be released into the air and inhaled contaminated air or ingested contaminated food (milk, drinking water, field vegetables, berries, etc.) could accumulate and damage the thyroid gland, which could harm thyroid cancers. Therefore, potassium iodide tablets are used to protect the thyroid gland from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine. The stable iodine in these tablets accumulates in the thyroid gland and protects it from the entry of radioactive iodine. Potassium iodide tablets should only be used if SAM is recommended.
It is also important to know that potassium iodide tablets only protect against radioactive iodine, but not against other radioactive substances that are released into the environment in the event of a nuclear accident. As a result, in an emergency, other protective measures must be taken, such as not being outside, hiding inside, closing windows, doors, following information, preparing for a possible evacuation, or following other instructions.
Lithuania, when establishing the requirements for the use of potassium iodide tablets in the event of a nuclear accident, follows the 2017 Recommendations of the World Health Organization.
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