California Health Official Warns Against Taking Potassium Iodide Tablets To Prevent Radiation Poisoning

Riverside County's chief medical officer is warning people not to ingest potassium iodide tablets to block absorption of radiation.

The warning comes after U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin told a reporter in the Bay Area that she didn't have a problem with Californians stocking up on potassium iodide, which combats the effect of radiation on the thyroid.

Some pharmacies in the state have reported a run on the product as fears of a nuclear meltdown in Japan mount. Last week's 8.9-magnitude earthquake damaged Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, and officials are grappling to gain control of the situation.

"Current radiation levels pose no risk to our residents and taking potassium iodide when levels are normal could cause side effects,'' said Dr. Eric Frykman at the county's Department of Public Health.

Side-effects of using the iodine pills can include rashes, nausea and diarrhea. Some people may be allergic.

According to county health officials, state and federal agencies are monitoring radiation levels regionally, and there's no elevated risk of exposure.   

If there's a change, officials said, residents will be alerted and a recommendation will go out on when to start taking potassium iodide.

"We do not anticipate that step will be needed,'' said health department spokeswoman Sarah Mack.

Information on disaster preparedness is available at
http://www.rivcophepr.org, or http://www.rvcfire.org/opencms/functions/oes. --City New Service contributed to this report.