Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 28, 2026

Thyroid blocker

Potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3) are called thyroid blockers when used in radiation protection.

Last revised
Jun 28, 2026
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Potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3) are called thyroid blockers when used in radiation protection.1234

If a person consumes a dose of one of these chemical compounds, his or her thyroid may saturate with stable iodine, preventing accumulation of radioactive iodine found after a nuclear meltdown or explosion.

References

References

  1. "Facts about potassium iodide". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022-04-07. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  2. "Introduction". Iodine Thyroid Blocking: Guidelines for Use in Planning for and Responding to Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies. World Health Organization. 2017 – via NCBI Bookshelf.
  3. "Frequently Asked Questions About Potassium Iodide". U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. April 19, 2021. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  4. World Health Organisation (2011) Use of potassium iodide for thyroid protection during nuclear or radiological emergencies